Medicaid Covers US Project Overview
July 26, 2023
About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
About Medicaid Cover US
Medicaid Covers US is our public education campaign to remind the public and policymakers that we must improve access to health coverage so that everyone has access to affordable health care. Medicaid is a lifeline for countless Americans and their families. Expanding access to Medicaid is one part of the fight against cancer – and for achieving health equity, so that everyone – no matter their ZIP code or the color of their skin, has an opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This requires removing obstacles to health based on where people live, addressing racial disparities in health outcomes, and broadening access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, housing, and health care for all Americans.
What is the Medicaid Coverage Gap?
Two million people in 10 states across the country are living without health insurance, simply because they live in a state that refuses to expand Medicaid. These people fall into the “coverage gap,” because they don’t qualify for traditional Medicaid – and are also not eligible for ACA Marketplace subsidies. Sixty percent of people living in the gap are people of color and the majority live in the American South. These are our friends and neighbors who are living sicker and dying younger than those with health insurance.
Access to affordable insurance coverage like Medicaid significantly improves the chances of diagnosing, treating, and surviving cancer. Closing the coverage gap means more people will be able to afford the lifesaving care they need – and brings us one step closer to addressing disparities in health outcomes based on the color of someone’s skin or where they live. Watch ACCESS DENIED: The Injustice of the Medicaid Coverage Gap to learn more.
The stories at the heart of the campaign demonstrate the many ways that Medicaid makes a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. With the help of experts, health care providers, and community leaders, Medicaid Covers US is driving important conversations about access to health coverage and shining a light on the historic inequities that are still creating the injustice of the Medicaid coverage gap today.
What can I do to get involved?
You can join the conversation by visiting medicaidcoversus.org where you can: find stories from individuals and families in the non-expansion states; learn how you can share your story; host an event; access tools and resources including recent research, fact sheets and other materials related to the Medicaid Covers US campaign.
Contact Us
For project-related inquiries contact:
Lucy Dagneau Senior Director, State and Local Campaigns – Medicaid/ [email protected]
For media-related inquiries contact:
Emily Burr, Director, Media Advocacy / [email protected] / 202.585.3296
