COLUMBUS, Ohio – This statement can be attributed to Bryan Hannon, director of government relations in Ohio for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“As an organization dedicated to saving lives, ACS CAN wants to thank Rep. Gayle Manning and Rep. Stephanie Howse for co-sponsoring House Bill 11, which will ensure that Medicaid enrollees receive comprehensive tobacco cessation treatment. It is of particular importance to ensure coverage for those on Medicaid because individuals who rely on Medicaid for their health care have a higher smoking rate (23.9% than the overall adult population (13.7 %) and more than double that of individuals with private insurance (10.5%).
“This year alone, 25,380 Ohioans will lose their battle with cancer and over 30% of all cancer deaths in Ohio are attributable to smoking. Friday, Gov. DeWine took steps to help prevent tobacco-related cancer deaths in Ohio. Ultimately this public health intervention will save the state money and save lives.”
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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.