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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 ...

Survivors, Caregivers Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Cancer

... today and called on the Legislature to prioritize the 12,110 West Virginians who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2018. The visit was part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s annual Day at the Capitol, which brought cancer advocates together to 1) urge lawmakers to improve patients’ quality of life through expanded access to palliative care and 2) fully fund statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programs. “Cancer death rates ... nationwide, but we still haven’t fully implemented proven ways to prevent the disease in the first place,” said Rosemary Thomas, a lead ACS CAN volunteer from Elkins. “Nearly 5,000 West Virginians will still lose their lives to cancer in 2018 alone. We’re here today to ask lawmakers ...

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 ...

REDUCING TOBACCO USE IN MAINE: BUILDING ON SUCCESS, INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

ACS CAN will advocate for adequate, sustainable funding for Maine’s state tobacco prevention and cessation program. The funding for this program ... from the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments, which go into the Fund for a Healthy Maine. ACS CAN will advocate in support of $15.9 million in annual funding for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, as recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and ... for an increase in the cigarette excise tax by $1.50 per pack, a proven strategy to prevent kids from ever smoking and reduce the number of Mainers who are current smokers. In 2021, ACS CAN will advocate to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. ...

April 2018 Federal Update

... and the President signed a Fiscal Year 18 federal budge t which includes: a $3 billion increase for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the largest such funding increase in 15 years; a $275 million increase for the National Cancer Institute (NCI); a $10 million increase for cancer prevention programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and first-time funding of $15 million for the Oncology Center of Excellence at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The budget also increases funding for the CDC ... to stabilize the individual insurance markets and reduce patient premiums was not included in the House budget. Just three short years ago, ACS CAN launched the One Degree campaign to urge Congress to increase medical research funding at the NIH by $6 billion over two years, including $1 ...

Breast Cancer

... Early Detection Program Breast Cancer in the United States Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women. An estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, and 40,450 women will ... exposure to radiation, but mammograms are not perfect. For instance, many women have dense breasts - more connective and breast tissue - which can make it more difficult to detect tumors. But, regular mammograms are still the best way to find breast cancer early and help to determine if ... cancer screenings for women, by requiring private insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid expansion programs to cover routine preventive services at no cost to the patient. However, millions of underinsured and uninsured women across the country still do not have access to these lifesaving ...

‘Cancer Action Day’ Brings Cancer Survivors to Harrisburg, Advocates Urge State & Federal Lawmakers to Preserve Access to Care

... at the state Capitol yesterday for ‘Cancer Action Day,’ an event hosted annually by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Advocates met with their state lawmakers and urged them to support policies that aid in the fight against cancer.  “Cancer Action Day is a ... all Pennsylvanians. Our message to lawmakers today is – you play a crucial role in that fight.”   While the ACS CAN volunteers spent much of Cancer Action Day at the Capitol connecting with state lawmakers, a cohort of survivors and advocates took the opportunity to visit Senator ... but too few Pennsylvanians who are eligible for screening actually receive it. Research shows us a main driver in delaying screenings is cost barriers. Even a relatively small amount can keep individuals from getting their recommended screenings and when it comes to prostate cancer, ...

Bradley Receives Award for Excellence in Cancer-Fighting Policy

... was awarded the 2015 Distinguished Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of his commitment to ensuring access to oral chemotherapy for Granite Staters living with cancer. The award is presented by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select officials who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the area of cancer-related public policy ...

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 ...

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