WASHINGTON, D.C. – Now that the federal government has reopened, lawmakers must turn their focus to long-term solutions. It is imperative that Congress moves swiftly to address two critical issues: ensuring health insurance costs do not spiral out of control for Marketplace plan coverage and passing a full-year budget that provides stability for American families.
The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“Congress is running out of time to prevent millions of people across the country, including cancer patients and survivors, from losing their only option for affordable, comprehensive health insurance. Now that Open Enrollment for Marketplace plans has begun, many people are seeing cost estimates for next year that would put coverage out of reach. Elimination of affordable, comprehensive health insurance options could be life-threatening for cancer patients. Every day Congress fails to extend the enhanced premium tax credits brings us closer to a national health care crisis.
“Research clearly shows that having health insurance is one of the most significant factors in surviving a cancer diagnosis. Without access to the care needed to get well and stay well, people will live sicker and die sooner. Congress must come together to extend the tax credits. Their constituents’ lives depend on it.
“Additionally, it is crucial that Congress works together to pass a full-year Labor-Health and Human Services budget that provides the highest possible funding increases for cancer research and prevention at the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With more than 2 million people nationwide expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025 alone, now is not the time to slow our commitment to lifesaving progress. Every dollar we invest today brings us closer to a future where fewer families face this devastating disease.”
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