Site Search

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today aims to improve access to new and innovative cancer screenings among Medicare beneficiaries in order to increase early detection of more cancers for more Americans. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act of 2020 would establish a Medicare benefit category for ... testing innovations. The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Detecting cancer early can be the difference between life and death. When cancer is caught early, it is often easier and less costly to ...

... tax in the country. This honor comes after the state legislature passed a $1 increase to the stateŠ—'s cigarette tax last week as part of a larger transportation bill. The increase will bring MassachusettsŠ—' tax to $3.51 a pack. Research has shown that significant and consistent ... way to reduce smoking rates and help prevent kids from starting the deadly habit. Just how effective will the Massachusetts tax increase be? ACS CAN estimates that the $1 increase will save an estimated 15,500 lives in Massachusetts and keep approximately 27,200 kids from becoming addicted ... a rate at least as high as cigarettes helps curb youth usage. Thirty-five people a day die from cancer in Massachusetts, and nearly 30 percent of those deaths are directly attributable to tobacco use. This historic tobacco tax increase will have a tremendous public health benefit for the ...

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 New Jersey residents ... impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. In 2025 the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will work with the New Jersey Legislature on legislative and regulatory efforts that provide affordable, adequate access to biomarker ... plans. We will advocate for policies that ensure third party prescription drug copay assistance is counted toward patients’ out-of-pocket cost obligations.  Expand Patient Navigation Services: Patient navigators have been shown to help increase cancer screening rates ...

... Senate Bill 2280 into law.  For the more than 4,500 North Dakotans who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, medical prior authorization can delay treatment, increase stress and have a negative impact on their care. Prior authorization is a practice in which physicians must obtain approval from insurers before prescribing medication or moving forward with treatment for their patients.  Physicians report the process can lead to significant delays in care, contributing to negative outcomes in patients, including abandoned treatment. The process was once used ... a system requiring providers get approval to prescribe even the most routine medications and procedures.  According to a National Conference of State Legislatures database, 23 states enacted more than 43 bills related to prior authorization in the past few years, including 18 in 2024 ...