WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the deadline approaches for people to enroll in Marketplace coverage that starts January 1, 2026, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is urging the Senate and the House to come together in a bipartisan way to pass legislation extending the enhanced premium tax credits and work to address the health care affordability crisis. If Congress fails to pass the extension and allows the tax credits to expire on December 31, millions of people, including cancer patients and survivors, will lose their only option for affordable, comprehensive health insurance.
Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN, released the following statement:
“Research clearly shows that having comprehensive health insurance is one of the most significant factors in surviving a cancer diagnosis. For two years, ACS CAN has been calling on Congress to come together to ensure the enhanced premium tax credits that made it possible for millions of people to access affordable, quality health insurance, some for the first time, remain in place. Without congressional action, the imminent expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits will push affordable health insurance out of reach for millions of people, including cancer patients and survivors.
“Last week, ACS CAN released a Survivor Views survey that paints a dire picture of what’s to come for cancer patients and survivors who rely on health care tax credits to lower their monthly premiums if Congress allows the enhanced tax credits to expire. We encourage members of Congress to consider the consequences of failing to act and to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their constituents.
“ACS CAN is once again calling on Congress to work together to extend these tax credits as quickly as possible. In most states, people must enroll in a Marketplace plan by December 15 to have coverage on January 1, 2026, so the clock is ticking to prevent a national health care affordability crisis. Without access to the health care they need to get well and stay well, people will live sicker and die sooner.”
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