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Cancer Patients Need Accurate Information When Shopping for Health Coverage in Medicare

WASHINGTON – December 4, 2018 -- "The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is troubled by reports that the administration is not enforcing a requirement that health plans provide accurate information in Medicare provider directories. Cancer disproportionately impacts older Americans, most of whom access health insurance through Medicare. Access to accurate information is critical for families affected by cancer who are trying to guarantee their insurance coverage will meet their health care needs. Medicare beneficiaries could face significant out-of-pocket costs if they buy a plan only to find out that a necessary medical provider is out of network after it is too late to switch plans. ACS ...

Open Enrollment: Time for Cancer Patients and Survivors to Get Covered and Stay Covered

Fall is the season when millions of people nationwide enroll or re-enroll in health coverage through their jobs. For the next three months, people without health coverage through work or Medicare can purchase a health insurance plan by visiting HealthCare.gov . Thanks to key provisions of the health care law known as the Affordable Care Act, ... access to the most accurate financial assistance available. Many people with cancer or at risk for cancer still worry that health coverage will cost more than they can afford. They should be aware that financial assistance is available to many low- and middle-income families to make health ...

Cancer Patients and Survivors Rally Legislators Virtually Due to COVID-19

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The unpredictable and dynamic nature of COVID-19 is no match for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) volunteers’ steadfast commitment. When the elevated risk for those with compromised immune systems became a roadblock for the annual Cancer ... As a cancer advocate, I let my lawmakers know if we’re going to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in Illinois, this goal must be top of mind for our legislature,” said Roger Crawford, ACS CAN Illinois state lead ambassador. “By improving access to care, we can reduce ...

Survivor Views: Open Enrollment

Overview The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change, as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As part of this effort, ACS CAN deploys surveys to better understand cancer patient and survivor experiences and perspectives, through our Survivor Views ... of at least $1,400 per individual or $2,800 per family. Majorities of those enrolled in high deductible plans say it was their only choice. Cost is considered the most important factor when it comes to comparing coverage options (43%), but the right mix of covered benefits is also ...

Report: Complex Medicare Appeals Process Leaves Patients at Risk for Delayed or Denied Care

Washington, D.C.— As millions of seniors and other enrollees select their 2021 Medicare health benefits during annual open enrollment, a new report details just how confusing the program’s appeals process can be should a patient need to appeal a claim denial for health care services or prescription drugs. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action ... the Medicare Trust Fund—action which is likely to include changes to seniors’ Medicare coverage options that could result in out-of-pocket cost implications. “When lawmakers consider significant changes to Medicare enrollee benefits they often cite the fact that patients can always ...

Senate Rejects Resolution to Halt Short-Term Insurance Changes and Preserve Patient Protections

... D.C.— Today the U.S. Senate rejected a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would have prevented the extension and expansion of short-term limited duration health insurance plans (STLD) as allowed under a new rule from the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and Treasury. The rule allows insurers to issue – for up to 36 months – so-called short-term health insurance plans. Insurers can deny or charge people more for these plans based on their health status, are not required to cover essential health services, like prescription ...

August 2017 State Update

ACS CAN Massachusetts will be focusing on a variety of issues in the 2017-2018 Legislative Session.  Below is an update on those that have had movement in the past month: While the legislature is still in session in August, we don’t expect movement on any of our issues until after Labor Day.  However, ACS CAN will continue to monitor legislative activity and take action as needed. Comprehensive ...

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through ... with cancer. Clinical trials are also a key part of research and enable the development of better drugs and treatments for cancer. However, cost is often a barrier to enrollment because trial participants are frequently responsible for non-medical costs such as transportation and ...

Governor Signs Bill to Reduce Barriers for Patients Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses

... by drug companies or other third parties. But insurers don’t always count those assistance programs toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, leaving patients with unaffordable costs once their assistance program is exhausted. The new law will require such payments to be counted toward the patient’s deductible. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Oklahoma Government Relations Director Matt Glanville said: “We thank Governor Stitt and our lawmakers for passing and enacting this crucial measure. “A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just come with emotional turmoil. It also leaves patients with a long list of concerns, including whether they’ll be able to afford the treatment ahead. “Out-of-pocket health-care costs are on the rise, with some ...

Governor Signs Bill to Reduce Barriers for Patients Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses

... by drug companies or other third parties. But insurers don’t always count those assistance programs toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, leaving patients with unaffordable costs once their assistance program is exhausted. The new law will require such payments to be counted toward the patient’s deductible. American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Arkansas Government Relations Director Matt Glanville said: “We thank Governor Hutchinson and our lawmakers for passing and enacting this crucial measure. “A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just come with emotional turmoil. It also leaves patients with a long list of concerns, including whether they’ll be able to afford the treatment ahead. “Out-of-pocket health-care costs are on the rise, with some ...

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