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New Kansas Smoke-Free Law is Major Public Health Victory

... is the 23rd state to pass strong smoke-free legislation that requires 100 percent smoke-free non-hospitality workplaces, bars and restaurants. Of those 23, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, and now Kansas, are awaiting implementation. Š—“This is a major public health victory for the people of Kansas,Š— said John R. Seffrin, PhD, CEO, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Š—“Smoke-free laws benefit everyone -- workers can make a living without risking their health, patrons and tourists can enjoy time out ...

New Hampshire 2024 Legislative Priorities

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Granite Staters impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. In 2024 the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will work with the NH Legislature on legislative and regulatory efforts that provide affordable, adequate access to health insurance including ... plans. We will advocate for policies that ensure third party prescription drug copay assistance is counted toward patients’ out-of-pocket cost obligations. Cancer Prevention and Early Detection  Breast and Cervical Cancer: ACS CAN will advocate to maintain funding of $171,000 for NH ...

Sneakers Cover State House Front Steps to Urge Legislators to Keep South Carolina Teens Healthy

Today, the front steps of the South Carolina State House were covered in sneakers to remind lawmakers to protect teen health by raising the cigarette tax by $1.50 and ... sneakers before coming to the Coaches vs Cancer Suits and Sneakers event, part of the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Day at the State House.   Coach Michael Kleinfelder, a two-time cancer survivor and girls’ soccer coach from Gilbert High School in ... increase revenue by raising the cigarette tax,” said Beth Johnson, South Carolina government relations director for ACS CAN. “Increasing the cost of tobacco is one of the most effective ways to prevent kids from becoming addicted to these deadly products and to help encourage those ...

Abbott Takes Final Step to Ensure Affordable Colorectal Cancer Screenings for Texans

AUSTIN, TX   – June 4, 2021 – Today, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate bill 1028 which will ensure Texans can access affordable preventative colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45. It does this by eliminating cost-sharing for all preventative colorectal cancer screening tests for people 45 and older, even if they are performed as a follow up to a positive less invasive screening. A broad coalition of public health groups, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), have spent ...

Making Our Voices Heard in Washington

... priority!  Advocates went to meetings on Capitol Hill to ask lawmakers to improve access to palliative care that improves patients’ quality of life, ensure seniors don’t face cost barriers to lifesaving colon cancer screenings, and increase federal investments in cancer research and prevention programs. But you don't need to fly to Washington to ask politicians where they stand on issues important to cancer patients and their families.   Through ACS CAN's non-partisan Cancer Votes program , volunteers just like you are helping to make cancer an election issue here in the Granite State. Can we ...

House Votes on Legislative Package to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a legislative package containing provisions aimed at improving access to affordable health care, ... The package would also rescind the rule that extends the availability of short-term, limited duration insurance plans (STLD). These plans can deny or charge people more for coverage based on their health status, are exempt from covering essential health services, and can charge older ... misleading marketing tactics. The report’s findings mirror similar results from an ACS CAN report issued last year that showed STLD plans can cost cancer patients up to five times as much in out-of-pocket costs as a comprehensive plan. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the ...

House Committee Focuses on Public Health with Increased Tobacco Tax, Greater Access to Affordable Health Care

... in states that have not expanded Medicaid, make permanent increased tax credits for marketplace coverage, and cap Medicare enrollees’ out-of-pocket drug costs. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows: “This bill is a great step toward improving our nation’s public health and reducing our cancer burden. Increasing tobacco taxes ...

Proposed Short-Term Health Plan Rule Would Weaken Patient Protections and Split Insurance Market

Washington, D.C.— Today the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on proposed changes to rules governing short-term, limited duration ... plans are only available for up to 3 months, and are intended to fill brief gaps in coverage. The proposed rule would extend the availability of these plans up to 364 days and provide an option for indefinite renewal – allowing them to function like permanent health insurance without ...

Lawmakers Rally with Patient Advocates to Improve Access to Biomarker Testing, Highlight Personal Connections to Disease

HARRISBURG, PA – November 14, 2023 – Earlier today, the legislative sponsors of Senate Bill 954 and House Bill 1754 joined patient advocates, cancer survivors and medical leaders at the state Capitol and urged their ... testing. Biomarker testing has become a game-changing part of patient care given its role in opening the door to targeted treatments that can lead to improved survivorship and quality of life. Senate Bill 954 and House Bill 1754 represent a bipartisan proposal to ensure comprehensive ... of cancer or other serious illness.” The statement continues, “Sadly, access to testing has been limited by an all-too-common barrier: cost. By requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of biomarker testing, this bill would open doors to precision medicine that otherwise ...

More Than 100 Patient and Health Care Professional Groups Express Support for Bill that Would Make It Easier for Patients to Participate in Clinical Trials

WASHINGTON, DC – August 18, 2025 – More than 100 organizations representing millions of patients with serious health conditions and health care professionals sent a letter to Congress expressing their strong support for the Clinical ... in the House of Representatives in May 2025 by Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and August Pfluger (R-FL), the bipartisan legislation would help remove cost and geographic barriers to patient participation in clinical trials. Clinical trials are key to advancing new standards of care that can improve survival and quality of life for people with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Yet, out-of-pocket costs associated with trial ...

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