Maryland Cancer Action Center

Maryland cancer patients, survivors and advocates are marking the American Cancer Society's 49th annual Great American Smokeout by calling on elected officials across the state to do more to reduce tobacco use and keep communities smoke-free. The Great American Smokeout is a day for people who smoke or use any form of tobacco, including e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, to create a plan to quit.

Maryland state lawmakers have released details on the agreed upon 2025-26 budget—the contents of which are a mixed bag in the fight against cancer. While the state made sound investments in cancer research and protected Medicaid recipients’ ability to access biomarker testing, it missed an opportunity to save the lives and lungs of Maryland’s youth by cutting funding for the state’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

The Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 773 and House Bill 1246, finding common ground on the effort to make prescription drugs more affordable. The proposal now heads to Governor Wes Moore’s desk.

Last week, the Senate and House voted to advance Senate Bill 773 and House Bill 1246, legislation which seeks to create more stability for patients by curbing an unfair insurance practice that makes critical medication more expensive and access unpredictable. The passage of each bill in their respective chambers, which now await concurrence voting, came on the heels of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day when cancer survivors, patient advocates and medical professionals traveled to Annapolis to discuss the importance of this legislation in ensuring access to lifesaving prescription drugs. Advocates are hopeful that lawmakers see the bills’ momentum as a call to action to take the final steps to pass and enact the necessary reforms.