Jackson, Miss. - The struggle to find access to adequate health care coverage and the valuable role of Medicaid were the subject of an event hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) yesterday to launch their Medicaid Covers Us project in Mississippi.
The conversation highlighted challenges faced by hardworking individuals and families across Mississippi attempting to access health care. Many Mississippians currently do not make enough money to afford quality health insurance but do not qualify for Medicaid under existing eligibility limits. As a result, they fall into what's known as the Medicaid coverage gap.
"No one should have to choose between paying for medical treatments and putting food on the table," said Kimberly Hughes, Mississippi government relations director for ACS CAN. "In the fight against cancer, we know that affordable access to health care is critical, and Medicaid plays a major role in helping people get and stay healthy."
"This project is designed to foster a conversation about what's working and not working in our approach to health care coverage—both across Mississippi and across the country," Hughes stated.
Medicaid Covers US is ACS CAN's public education project to foster essential conversations amongst decision-makers, community leaders, health care professionals, and the public about Medicaid's role and critical services.
Did you know?
• One in 8 Mississippians are currently uninsured. It is estimated that 179,000 of the uninsured are individuals in the coverage gap, who could gain access to comprehensive and affordable health insurance coverage if the lawmakers expanded eligibility for the state's Medicaid program.
• Nearly 2/3 of Mississippians in the coverage gap are in households with at least one employed adult, working primarily in occupations that do not offer affordable health insurance.
• Medicaid is an important source of coverage for people with cancer and cancer survivors, including more than two million Americans (children and adults under age 65) with a history of cancer.
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About ACS CAN at 20
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 saves lives. 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 made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we're more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.