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Mariah: La Crosse, Wisconsin

... Physical therapy has helped alleviate the pain, but every three months she needs to get approval from her insurance provider to continue her care. This approval sometimes takes up to two months to obtain. Both she and her physical therapist have spent hours on the phone, trying to get the therapy reapproved.   Mariah also takes prescription drugs and has learned to check drug formularies every time her health insurance plan changes to make sure her drugs are covered. She has learned the ins and outs of the insurance system because her life depends ... How can someone just starting their cancer journey, with a full-time job, have the time to do this?”  Read More Stories About Barriers to Care     Mariah: La Crosse, Wisconsin ...

Flecia: Summerville, GA

... Flecia was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of breast cancer. Fortunately, she qualified for Medicaid and was immediately enrolled in the health insurance program, which covered all her treatment. At the time of her diagnosis, the lump in her breast was already five centimeters, and ... clinical trial, I thought: ‘This is worth it if I can help or save just one person. I’m doing this so at least one person will get better care.’”  In some states, Medicaid patients don’t have access to clinical trials. “I don’t think that’s fair,” Flecia said. “It’s ... them to not give Medicaid patients that option because you never know when you could save a life.”    Read More Stories About Barriers to Care     Flecia: Summerville, GA ...

Governor Signs Legislation to Increase Access to Precision Treatment for Cancer Patients

SPRINGFIELD, IL – “Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients by expanding coverage for biomarker testing.  HB1779 will enable more patients to benefit from biomarker testing, an ... advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand ...

Expand Access to Biomarker Testing in Washington

... testing.   Hear Marysville, WA survivor, Robin Sparks, share her story about access to biomarker testing. What is Biomarker Testing? In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient . A “ biomarker ” is a sign of a normal biological process, ... that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing. Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities. Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing ...

HHS Hears Cancer Patients’ Concerns About Timely Access to Drug Therapies in Medicare Part D

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued its final rule for Medicare Part D which does not include the full range of proposed changes to drugs in the ... cancer patients will be relieved to hear their access to innovative new drug therapies will not be in question under this finalized rule. Cancer care often requires specialized treatment targeted at a patient’s specific tumor and these treatments are rarely interchangeable. ... be excluded based on a pre-determined price alone. Concern remains, however, over how this may affect patients starting new therapies. “Cancer care is a race against time. We are glad HHS and Secretary Azar listened to the countless patients who voiced their serious concern over the ...

Forum to Outline a Path to Improve Outcomes for Cancer Patients

... Action Network of Louisiana policy forum brings together community leaders in healthcare and government policy to tackle the state’s access to care and tobacco issues. Chief among factors affecting cancer patients’ outcomes are potential obstacles to Medicaid enrollment, the price of ... from Medicaid Covers US educational campaign — our new project to create a conversation about Medicaid and the role it plays in the health and well-being of our families, friends, and communities. WHO:                  Nick Albares , policy adviser to Gov. John Bel Edwards Raegan Carter , consultant for Americans for Non-Smokers Rights Michael Celestin Jr. , instructor of Behavioral and Community Health at LSU Health Sciences Center Ron C. Henderson , deputy commissioner of consumer advocacy for the Louisiana Department of Insurance Tiffany ...

Governor Pierluisi Signs Legislative Amendment to Help Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable For Cancer Patients and Others with Chronic Diseases

... Puerto Rico – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds Governor Pedro Pierluisi for signing an amendment to the Health Insurance Code of Puerto Rico to help make prescription drugs more affordable for cancer patients and others with chronic diseases. The ... those with high deductibles, to possibly having to stop or delay taking the medication they need due to cost, and therefore could face health complications and disease progression, driving significantly higher costs for both the patient and the health care system. “This change is a great victory for cancer patients in Puerto Rico because it helps protect prescription drug copay assistance ...

State Lawmakers Prioritized Landmark Legislation Benefiting Cancer Patients

... outstanding commitment to the well-being of cancer patients by passing a series of crucial bills designed to enhance research and access to care for those affected by cancer,” said Ally Lopshire, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. ... barriers to clinical trials, which are essential in the fight against cancer. Genetic testing legislation, SB 2679, requiring state-regulated health plans to provide coverage for cancer-related genetic testing at a cost of no more than $50 to patients, will ensure more patients have the information they need to better understand their lifetime cancer risk. Short-term health plans, HB 2499, a provision banning short-term health plans, will help ensure cancer patients in Illinois have access to affordable, ...

ACS CAN Urges House Members to Stand up for Cancer Patients and Their Families by Protecting Medicaid and Opposing Budget Resolution

... the House oppose this bill because it would detrimentally impact access to Medicaid for many people. Research consistently shows that access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid increases cancer screenings rates, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improves access to timely cancer treatment and survival rates. “One out of ten adults with a history of cancer relied on Medicaid for their health care in 2023, according to data analyzed by the American Cancer Society, underscoring the critical role Medicaid plays in helping cancer patients ...

NJ Step Therapy Tweet to Action Page

... has made life harder for many New Jerseyans.  They don't need their insurance carrier to make them jump through hoops before they can get the care their doctor prescribes. @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou must support S3051 and #ReformStepNJ. The practice of step therapy has grown ... to a vote. Reforming step therapy means ensuring that it is ✔ safe for patients ✔ clinically grounded, and ✔ transparent to patients and health care providers. #ReformStepNJ We need @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou to bring S3051 to a vote. Fail first policies can result in patients not ... these plans. @NJSenatePres and @NelliePou must pass S3051 #ReformStepNJ In an analysis of coverage decisions for 17 of the 20 largest commercial health insurers in the U.S., it was found that ALL insurers used step therapy to restrict access to drugs, ranging from 2% to 49% of coverage ...

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