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... cancer prevention efforts, curb tobacco use, prioritize the quality of life for patients and their families, and increase access to critical health coverage,” said Brook Carlisle, government relations director for ACS CAN in Utah. "I’m particularly concerned about Utah’s red, or ... and mortality from skin cancer, Utah must pass legislation to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by those under the age of 18. The World Health Organization categories tanning devices as “carcinogenic to humans”—its highest cancer risk category and the same category as ... harmful devices." How Do You Measure Up? rates states in eight specific areas of public policy that can help fight cancer: increased access to care through Medicaid, access to palliative care, balanced pain control policies, cigarette tax levels, smoke-free laws, funding for tobacco ...

... and successfully underwent testing after her insurance company denied coverage for testing. “Biomarker testing was a gamechanger in my cancer care,” said Dennis. “Knowing my results informed my team of doctors to the best treatments options possible. Even more Coloradans should ... more Coloradans have access to testing when they need it.” Under SB24-124, over one million Coloradans or roughly 33% of those with private health insurance coverage will now benefit from improved coverage for biomarker testing. Unfortunately, the law does not include coverage for Medicaid enrollees which accounts for more than 1.6 million Coloradans, according to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  “While today is a win for Coloradans who are battling cancer and other diseases, it’s important we ...

... and partners are working together to make sure more Coloradans can benefit from this important 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 ...

A case currently pending at the Supreme Court of the United States could have a major impact on access to care for Medicaid patients.  The Medicaid Act has a provision stating that beneficiaries must be able to choose from “any qualified provider” for their care.  Congress wrote this provision because states were forcing Medicaid beneficiaries to go to state affiliated providers like state ... in disease prevention and treatment, as well as extensive scientific research showing a strong link between access to Medicaid and improved health outcomes, with an emphasis on the critical role Medicaid plays in rural areas. The brief includes original research published by the ...