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Access to Health Care Press Releases

March 18, 2025

ACS Study Finds Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance Plans Associated With Advanced Cancer Diagnoses

In a new, large national study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, American Cancer Society (ACS) researchers found the 2018 federal policy loosening restrictions on STLD insurance plans was associated with an increase in late-stage cancer diagnoses in states without or with inadequate additional STLD plan regulatory protections.

March 18, 2025

Cancer Survivors to Maryland Lawmakers: ‘Make All Copays Count,’ Protect against Threats to Patient Access to Lifesaving Medication

Last week, the Senate and House voted to advance Senate Bill 773 and House Bill 1246, legislation which seeks to create more stability for patients by curbing an unfair insurance practice that makes critical medication more expensive and access unpredictable. The passage of each bill in their respective chambers, which now await concurrence voting, came on the heels of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day when cancer survivors, patient advocates and medical professionals traveled to Annapolis to discuss the importance of this legislation in ensuring access to lifesaving prescription drugs. Advocates are hopeful that lawmakers see the bills’ momentum as a call to action to take the final steps to pass and enact the necessary reforms.

March 4, 2025

New York Senate Promises to Advance Legislation Improving New Yorkers’ Access to Paid Leave, Advocates Urge Assembly to Follow Suit

This afternoon, the New York State Senate will advance legislation (Senate Bill 172) that would improve New Yorkers’ access to paid medical leave with senators lending sweeping, bipartisan support. The Assembly companion legislation (Assembly Bill 84) awaits similar consideration, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are urging Assemblymembers to vote in support.