TRENTON, N.J. – February 16, 2024 – Protecting free preventive cancer screenings and reducing the burden of medical debt are the top issues of concern for cancer patients and survivors today, according to a new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) that asked participants to select their leading policy priorities for the year.
Over half of (51%) of survey participants noted that finding ways to help patients stay out of medical debt or reduce the negative impact of medical debt accrued was a top policy priority for them–that’s up from 33% in a similar poll in 2020. Policies to address the high costs of cancer have also grown in support among those touched by cancer, reflecting the urgency to address the high costs of cancer in New Jersey.
“The latest survey results affirm what we already know here in New Jersey—that the system is failing some families touched by cancer. The sky-high costs of treatment have forced some patients to choose between their life and livelihood,” said Quinton Law, Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in New Jersey. “New Jersey is pursuing proposals to alleviate the burden of medical debt and ensure that those battling disease needn’t make the impossible decision between life-saving treatment and daily needs. ACS CAN is proud to support any effort to lessen the impact of medical debt on New Jersey patients and their families.”
New Jersey is pursuing several avenues to reduce the role of medical debt in residents’ lives, including a capital investment to wipe out the medical debt for countless New Jerseyans. Lawmakers are also set to consider the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, which would allow patients more time to recover from treatment before their unpaid medical bills are sent for collection. Another proposal seeks to ensure consumer protection, bolstering transparency for patients around their around medical bills.
The survey data was collected between January 3 to January 22, 2024. A total of 1,542 cancer patients and survivors who were treated or diagnosed within the past seven years responded to the questionnaire. Differences reported between groups are tested for statistical significance at a 95% confidence interval.
Read the full polling memo here.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. By engaging advocates across the country to make their voices heard, ACS CAN influences legislative and regulatory solutions that will end cancer as we know it.
