Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Government Relations Director Allie Kast
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – “As lawmakers dive into the 2024 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize passing legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Hoosiers.
“ACS CAN calls on the legislature to increase access to biomarker testing, a game changer in the fight against cancer and an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments by ensuring state-regulated health insurance, including Medicaid, covers appropriate biomarker testing for patients who could benefit. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes. Despite its benefits, health insurance coverage of biomarker testing has not kept pace with innovations in treatment.
“ACS CAN also looks forward to continuing the conversation with lawmakers about prioritizing tobacco control measures. With smoking remaining the leading cause of preventable death in Indiana and the cause of over a third of Hoosier cancer deaths, it is imperative to increase the cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack, increase the tax on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to parallel the new cigarette tax, and increase the state's investment to $15 million for tobacco control programs. In doing so, Indiana will take a decisive step towards reducing tobacco use and its devastating toll on our communities while advancing our mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone.
“Over 40,000 Hoosiers heard the words, “you have cancer” last year. State lawmakers have an opportunity to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis for those who will hear those words in the future.”
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About ACS CAN
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 improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.