PHOENIX, ARIZ. – Today, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers rallied at the Arizona Capitol to urge lawmakers to support the reauthorization of the Arizona Health Cancer Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid program.
Currently, more than 2 million Arizonans benefit from the health care coverage and services provided by the program, including necessary cancer screenings at recommended guidelines. Studies show access to quality health insurance coverage leads to better health outcomes for cancer patients.
Studies have demonstrated that uninsured patients are more likely to present with late-stage disease and have worse short-term survival after a cancer diagnosis.
Every year, cancer patients, survivors and advocates meet with their legislators as part of Arizona’s Cancer Action Day to make the fight against cancer a legislative priority. Approximately 41,120 people in Arizona will be diagnosed with cancer this year. To learn more about how ACS CAN advocates for cancer patients and survivors at the local, state and federal levels or to learn more about how to get involved in our advocacy efforts, visit fightcancer.org/arizona.
