Michelle Zimmerman
Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy
Break the Burden: Advocates Press for Legislative Relief from Medical Debt
As lawmakers get back to work, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of medical debt on Hoosiers.
January 5, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – “As lawmakers get back to work, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of medical debt on Hoosiers.
The Following Statement can be attributed to Allie Kast Gregg, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) government relations Director:
“Medical debt is a significant burden to those facing cancer. ACS CAN is asking lawmakers to prioritize legislation that would reduce the burden of medical debt for Hoosiers and prevent patients from incurring medical debt.
“A recent survey of cancer patients and survivors, which ACS CAN conducted, found that nearly half of cancer patients and survivors report having medical debt related to their illness. Among them, 30% have faced credit problems and 8% have lost their homes or been forced into unsafe living conditions. Furthermore, 46% of cancer patients and survivors with cancer-related medical debt felt harassed by creditors and debt collectors, who may threaten credit scores as an intimidation tactic.
“Passing legislation to address medical debt would bring long-overdue relief to patients whose suffering is twofold—first from illness, then from the lasting financial harm that follows due to medical debt. By increasing access to financial assistance and limiting the use of harmful collection practices, we can begin to chip away at the often-unending negative consequences associated with disease, enabling patients to breathe easier and prioritize their health without fear of long-term financial damage.
“Over 42,150 Hoosiers heard the words, 'you have cancer' last year. 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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