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Access to Health Care

ACS CAN advocates for policies that provide access to treatments and services people with cancer need for their care - including those who may be newly diagnosed, in active treatment and cancer survivors.

Access to Health Care Resources:

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.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. Law No. 119-21) prohibits states from auto-enrolling people into Marketplace plans (regardless of whether the Marketplace is state-based or federally run).

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.

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. 

Prescription Drug Affordability Resources:

Drug therapies are the bedrock of cancer care. Making these therapies affordable, while continuing to encourage innovation of new treatments, is crucial to accomplishing the mission of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. ACS CAN has long fought for public policies that support both the affordability and availability of medically necessary prescription drugs. 
 

Access to affordable health insurance is crucial for individuals to receive necessary care, especially for those with chronic conditions like cancer.

This factsheet provides background information on how the enhanced ACA tax credits benefit those in rural communities. 

This factsheet provides basic information about the enhanced ACA tax credits.

ACS CAN has long fought for public policies that support the availability and affordability of medically necessary prescription drugs. 

Patient Assistance Programs

Prescription drug costs are a significant burden on cancer patients and survivors, sometimes even leading patients to miss or delay taking prescribed medications. The latest Survivor Views survey explores the role copay assistance programs can play in reducing this burden, and also addresses patient navigation and digital therapeutics.

A majority of cancer patients and survivors struggle to afford cancer care and over 80% have had to make financial sacrifices to cover their health care expenses. This survey also reveals ways that affordability concerns can negatively impact care and treatment, and explores issues related to prescription drug coverage and pain management options.

Costs and Barriers to Care Resources:

Consumers need access to health insurance policies that cover a full range of evidence-based health care services – including prevention and primary care – necessary to maintain health, avoid disease, overcome acute illness and live with chronic disease.  Any health care system that works for cancer patients must have standards ensuring that enrollees have access to comprehensive health insurance.

Current federal requirements prohibit most insurance plans from limiting both the lifetime and annual dollar value of benefits.  This ban is one of several important patient protections that must be part of any health care system that works for cancer patients.

 

 

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