JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Tonight, the Missouri Senate voted out the 2022 fiscal year operating budget. The budget proposal does not include specific funding to provide health insurance coverage for the expansion of MO Healthnet, Missouri’s Medicaid program. Emily Kalmer, director of government relations in Missouri for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), made the following statement in reaction.
“ACS CAN is disappointed to see the Senate ignoring the will of Missouri voters. Last August, voters approved Amendment 2, which would expand access to comprehensive and affordable health insurance coverage, through the MO Healthnet program, for an estimated 275,000 low-income Missourians.
“We know the health insurance coverage provided through an expansion of MO Healthnet eligibility will improve outcomes, address health and cancer disparities and reduce the burden of cancer by offering enrollees access to doctor visits, preventive services and timely cancer screenings. Early detection of cancer increases a patient’s chance of survival.
“ACS CAN urges the legislature to honor the will of Missouri voters by restoring the funding for expansion, as included in the governor’s budget. ACS CAN and our volunteers will continue to work with the legislative leadership and the members of the General Assembly to reduce suffering and death from cancer in Missouri through expanded Medicaid.”
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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.