Public Policy Resources

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds that across party lines cancer patients and survivors oppose reducing funding for Medicaid (73%), and fewer than one-in-five support adding a work requirement for Medicaid (19%). The survey also finds overwhelming support for protecting coverage for those with preexisting conditions (81%), and explores questions related to allowing non-ACA plans in the marketplace, which a majority (65%) feel would be confusing.

Our latest survey finds that 86% of those receiving enhanced premium tax credits would have difficulty getting care if the credits expire at the end of 2025, and very few (25%) are aware of the enhanced credits expiring.

This factsheet seeks to debunk some of the misinformation that has been made about the enhanced ACA tax credits.

This factsheet shows how the enhanced ACA tax credits have benefitted historically marginalized communities. 

In our latest survey, cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly support extending financial assistance for people who purchase health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace by a margin of nearly 12 to 1 (72% support, 6% oppose). The survey also finds 43% would not be able to afford their plan without the enhanced tax credits, 30% would skip or delay medical care to reduce expenses, and 24% would accumulate medical debt to afford their care.

Having affordable and comprehensive health insurance coverage is a key determinant for surviving cancer.

Our latest survey finds that about half of cancer patients and survivors (49%) have incurred medical debt to pay for their cancer care and another 13% expect to incur medical debt as they begin or continue their treatment. Nearly all of those (98%) had health care coverage at the time they accumulated medical debt. This survey also explores the broad health and financial implications of medical debt, how medical debt deepens inequites, and the alarming rate of cancer related medical debt among younger respondents with early diagnoses.

A critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity is the guarantee that all people have access to quality, affordable health care.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.