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Senate Passes Legislation to Make Health Care More Affordable for Millions of Cancer Patients and Survivors

Extends Increased Marketplace Tax Credits, Caps Medicare Patients’ Part D Drug Costs

August 7, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Aug 7, 2022—Today the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes several provisions that will reduce the costs of health care for millions of cancer patients and survivors.

A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:

“The Senate did the right thing for cancer patients, survivors, and their families today when they voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill will provide millions of patients with more affordable access to comprehensive health care. The extension of more generous Marketplace tax credits will ensure people who have been able to afford coverage for the first time can keep it and those who were previously enrolled can maintain coverage without having increased premiums eat into their monthly budgets.

“Similarly, providing a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare Part D enrollees will enable patients to save money and better plan for their medical expenses; something that is especially helpful for those on fixed incomes and in light of ongoing inflation.

“Still, it’s unfortunate the Senate was unable to close the Medicaid coverage gap in this legislation. We will continue working tirelessly to find a solution and get comprehensive care to the 2 million people still struggling to find and afford coverage.

“We thank the Senators who voted in support of this bill and urge the House to quickly take action to get this bill to the president and signed into law.”

More on ACS CAN’s position on the Inflation Reduction Act.

Media Contacts

Allison Miller
Director, Media Advocacy
Washington, D.C.
Alissa Crispino
Vice President, Advocacy Communications & Policy
Washington, D.C.