2026 Is the Year to Act on Expanding Floridians’ Access to Lifesaving Care

Tallahassee, FL – January 13, 2026 – As lawmakers head into the 2026 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Floridians and expand access to care.  

The following statement can be attributed to Susan Harbin, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) government relations director:

“ACS CAN will advocate for policies that ensure access to quality, affordable and comprehensive health insurance including Medicaid and will support efforts to curb the availability of inadequate health plans.

“The preservation of eligibility, coverage, and access to Medicaid remains critically important for many low-income and rural residents who depend on the program for cancer and chronic disease prevention, as well as early detection, diagnostic, and treatment services. We will work to ensure Medicaid enrollees have adequate access and coverage and will oppose proposals that create barriers or reduce access to care for cancer patients, survivors, and those who could be diagnosed with cancer.

“Having access to health insurance is the top determinant of whether someone will survive cancer. Giving more people access to cancer screenings and treatments will ultimately save lives.

“As Gov. DeSantis and lawmakers kick off the budget process, ACS CAN also continues to advocate for the permanence of $3.6 million in state funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program provides medically underserved women access to screenings and diagnostic services, including mammograms, Pap tests, HPV tests and diagnostic testing if abnormal results are found. During the 2025 Legislative Session, the state dedicated an additional $1.83 million in non-recurring funding to the base $1.83 million. ACS CAN will work to ensure the full $3.6 million is recurring in the state budget.