State Legislature Continues Assault on Idahoans’ Health Care
BOISE, Idaho –– Taking health care coverage from Idahoans continues to be a top priority for the Idaho Legislature as it works towards closing the 2026 session.
Advocates Hold Cancer Action Day at State House, Urging Lawmakers to Address Cost of Screening and Treatment
Rhode Islanders Ask Lawmakers to Address Cancer, Healthcare Related Costs
March 25, 2026
PROVIDENCE —March 26, 2026— Later today, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers will rally at the Rhode Island State House, advocating for legislative proposals that aim to address the needs of patients across the cancer continuum. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day.
Specifically, volunteers will ask lawmakers to support House Bill 2032 / Senate Bill 7276, which would eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams, along with House Bill 8246 / Senate Bill 3023, allowing for no cost follow up lung cancer screenings.
While screening mammograms are free to most insured women starting at age 40, follow-up testing often results in out-of-pocket cost sharing for patients. These costs can stand in the way of patients receiving necessary follow-up screenings. Volunteers are asking lawmakers to support a bipartisan proposal to remove costs associated with diagnostic and supplemental imaging for high-risk patients. This will ensure that out-of-pocket obligations do not discourage Rhode Islanders from completing the breast cancer screening process.
Similarly, volunteers are asking lawmakers to support legislation that would eliminate out of pocket costs for follow up lung cancer screenings. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Rhode Island, while new cases continue to outpace the national average. By easing the burden of follow up exam costs, lawmakers can ensure more Rhode Islanders get necessary follow up lung cancer screenings, have their cancer detected earlier, and live longer lives.
In addition to addressing the cost of follow up cancer screenings, volunteers will urge lawmakers to support House Bill 2253 / Senate Bill 7947 which would protect access to critical prescription drug co-pay assistance programs and help make medications more affordable for Rhode Islanders. Prescription drug costs are a challenge for nearly one-third of cancer patients and survivors, with one-in-five individuals skipping or delaying taking prescribed medications due to costs.
“Cost of living concerns pervade everyday life for many. For those with cancer, the financial weight of everyday decisions can be crushing,” said Ryan Timothy Strik, Rhode Island director of government relations for ACS CAN. “The advocates here today are asking state leaders to prevent the costs of healthcare from continuing to rise.”
“Concerns over the cost of a follow up cancer screening or their ability to afford a lifesaving prescription should not be something a sick Rhode Islander needs to worry about. They should be able to focus on their care, rather than feeling that they need to choose between receiving a screening test, filling a prescription, or buying groceries,” continued Strik.
“Approximately 7,500 Rhode Islanders will hear the words, ‘you have cancer’ this year. ACS CAN hopes that lawmakers will listen to the many stories shared today and take important steps toward ensuring that a cancer diagnosis does not create undue financial hardship for anyone, in any of our communities,” he concluded.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, 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’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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