Cheyenne, Wyo.—Today, the Wyoming House of Representatives passed legislation that paves the way to increase access to Medicaid for thousands of low-income, uninsured Wyoming residents. The Senate will now consider House Bill 162. Following is a statement from R.J. Ours, the government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
"Today’s vote is a huge step forward for thousands of low-income, uninsured Wyoming residents to gain access to lifesaving health care services, including the roughly 3,050 residents who will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
"Medicaid expansion is critical to saving lives from cancer. In fact, the health insurance coverage provided through Medicaid improves outcomes and reduces the burden of cancer by offering enrollees access to primary and preventive services, timely cancer screenings and early detection, and affordable treatments and care.
"Access to quality and affordable health coverage has never been more important—especially as countless residents, including cancer patients, have lost their jobs and employer-sponsored coverage, had reduced hours or faced economic hardship due to the pandemic. Expanding Medicaid will offer those who are newly uninsured a path toward comprehensive health coverage to help ease their burden and ensure they can access the care they need to prevent, detect and treat cancer.
"We are grateful for today’s vote in the House and urge the Senate to pass this legislation. It could be the difference between life or death for cancer patients, survivors and those at risk for the disease."
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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.
