Michelle Zimmerman
Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy
Advocates to Lawmakers: Improve Access to Cancer Care
As lawmakers dive into the 2026 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Buckeyes.
January 27, 2026
COLUMBUS, OHIO – “As lawmakers dive into the 2026 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Buckeyes.
The Following Statement can be Attributed to Leo Almeida, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) government relations director:
“To improve access to care for those who hear the words 'you have cancer,' ACS CAN calls on the legislature to increase access to biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments by ensuring state-regulated health insurance, including Medicaid, covers appropriate biomarker testing for patients who could benefit. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes. Despite its benefits, health insurance coverage of biomarker testing has not kept pace with innovations in treatment and testing.
“To further improve access to care for cancer patients, ACS CAN is asking lawmakers to pass legislation that would address copay accumulator adjustment programs. Copay accumulator programs allow enrollees to use copay support, but the amount of the support does not count toward the enrollee’s maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). Only the funds spent directly by the beneficiary (and not on their behalf) would count towards the beneficiary’s MOOP, creating a financial barrier for patients.
“Many cancer patients and patients with chronic conditions have difficulty affording the cost of their prescription drugs, regardless of whether they are insured. This is especially true for newer drugs – including cancer drugs – that do not yet have a generic equivalent. Manufacturer programs and charitable patient assistance programs help many cancer patients afford their medications. A patient assistance program’s financial support can help patients access a life-saving drug they might otherwise be unable to afford.
“Over 77,000 Ohioans heard the words, 'you have cancer' last year. Gov. DeWine and state lawmakers have an opportunity to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear those words in the future.”
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