Kansas Legislative Session Ends with Missed Opportunity to Expand KanCare
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Kansas Government Relations Director, Megan Word
Documentary Profiling North Carolianians Left Behind by Medicaid Program Chosen for Screening at Joedance Film Festival
Emphasizing the Importance of Accessible Health Care Coverage During COVID-19 Pandemic
August 11, 2020
CHARLOTTE, NC – August 6, 2020 – With the COVID-19 pandemic shining a bright light on the importance of affordable and accessible health insurance coverage, Medicaid continues to be a central topic of discussion among public health advocates, hospital and health systems administrators, community leaders and state lawmakers. Now that conversation continues in the world of arts and culture.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) documentary Left Behind: Health and Hope in North Carolina was recently selected for the Joedance Film Festival taking place this week. Left Behind will be screened on Friday, August 7th. The screening will be followed by a special Q+A session with the film director Ky Dickens.
Through the power of storytelling, the film aims to bring together decision makers, community members and the public to have a diaglouge about the critical services Medicaid provides.
“When we first shot the film back in October, I was blown away by the passion and unique experiences of each individual featured,” shared ACS CAN State & Local Campaigns Director, Citseko Staples Miller. “It’s a film that sparks a special connection with every audience, no matter where we show it, and one I think is more deeply felt in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic because it reiterates the importance of access to care and the role that Medicaid can play during a public health crisis.”
In Left Behind, Richard, Emma and Adrienne share the difficulties of accessing health care and being in the “coverage gap” - earning too much to qualify for the state’s current Medicaid program and not enough to to afford private insurance. Their stories highlight the crucial role Medicaid health insurance plays for individuals, families, communities, healthcare providers and state economies.
“It is a privilege to be a part of the festival and a great opportunity to spread stories of everyday people, myself included who just want to be able to live their lives with the security of health insurance,” shared film star Adrienne Hayes on the film’s selection. “If we had Medicaid expansion in North Carolian right now, I wouldn’t be uninsured and terrified that if I get sick, that the medical bills would devastate my family. Closing the coverage gap is the key to gaining access to primary care, preventive screenings and treatment for any medical issues that may arise.”
In North Carolina, 59,620 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. For many of them, access to care through Medicaid could be the difference between life and death.
“By helping to ensure people have access to health care when they need it most, Medicaid makes it possible for people to care for their families and pay the bills,” added Staples Miller. It helps ensure kids here in North Carolina can get services like early screening and detection that help them manage health issues like asthma or vision problems, allowing them to better participate and succeed in school. It helps keep hospital doors open to provide lifesaving care for people with cancer and other diseases.”
Joedance, which includes the annual film festival during the first full weekend in August and related events year-round, honors the memory of Joe Restaino by raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health’s Levine Children's. The family chose a film festival to honor Joe Restaino because of his love of movies.
To attend the film screening, visit www.joedance.org. For more information on ACS CAN's Medicaid Covers US campaign or to join the conversation, visit MedicaidCoversUS.org.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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