Public Policy Resources

Access to lifesaving preventive services, including cancer screening, relies on federal preventive care recommendations and guidelines that determine which screenings, tests, and services health insurance plans must cover without cost sharing, including who is eligible, the age at which services

ACS CAN’s Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization report outlines the critical importance of childhood immunizations for people with cancer and their families, and why maintaining high vaccination coverage among ch

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are pleased to provide comments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Our comments reflect our commitment to cancer prevention and control and focus on ensuring that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization schedules are grounded in strong scientific evidence, and provide clear, actionable information to healthcare professionals, parents, and payers.

Our latest Survivor Views survey underscores the critical role of evidence-based vaccinations in promoting public health and protecting communities impacted by cancer. Cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly agree on the importance of community immunization, oppose limits to vaccine access, and support school entry requirements. In addition, the survey finds strong support for investment in the oncology potential of vaccines.

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds nearly three in four cancer patients and survivors who rely on the marketplace for comprehensive coverage stand to lose access to lifesaving care if the enhanced premium tax credits are not extended. Additionally, one quarter of those who rely on the enhanced health care tax credits report that if the credits expire, they will become uninsured or forced into a non-comprehensive "junk" plan.

On July 3, 2025, Congress passed the final version of its 2025 budget reconciliation legislation. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network strongly opposed the health changes included in the bill, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates would reduce the number of people with health insurance by 10 million people by 2034 through major cuts to Medicaid and changes to Marketplace and other coverage.

ACS CAN will continue to advocate for affordable access to care for cancer patients.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. Law No. 119-21) makes sweeping changes to the Medicaid program, the Marketplace plans, and private insurance.

Nearly all (94%) cancer patients and survivors agree that it is important for patients and their providers to have the ability to choose the type of treatment and delivery that best suits their needs. Patients who have taken oral anti-cancer drugs rate their experience significantly better compared to experiences with IV infusions on several metrics including coping with side effects, time spent in provider visits, and quality of life.