Increasing and Protecting Access to Medicaid

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Research consistently shows people without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and patient outcomes are poorer. Yet Medicaid provides millions of people in America health coverage to get regular check-ups to stay healthy, see a doctor when they are sick, detect diseases like cancer early to give them the best chance of surviving, access medications and treatments they need, and go to the hospital in an emergency. 

We are working to protect and expand access to Medicaid for people impacted by cancer across the country. 

In July of 2025, Congress voted to make the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. As these cuts and related policy changes take effect, we are working at the federal and state levels to elevate the voices of cancer patients and survivors and to protect access to quality, affordable health care.

Additionally, we are working to expand Medicaid in the remaining 10 states that have not increased access to their Medicaid programs. Going to the doctor is much cheaper than going to the emergency room. And, for a family, preventing cancer is much less expensive than treating it. 

We know how to save lives from cancer. Ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance – especially during tough times – is an important first step.  

  

Medicaid provides critical, affordable health coverage to millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and other low-income individuals and families in America, including countless cancer patients and survivors.

Latest Updates

February 2, 2026
Utah

On Friday, the Social Services Appropriations Committee held a public hearing to consider health funding cuts, including potential reductions to the state’s Medicaid program, namely breast and cervical cancer treatment coverage. Funding for 12-month postpartum coverage was originally going to be discussed but was tabled by committee chairs. The American

January 27, 2026
Maine

Ahead of Mills' State of the State address, ACS CAN Calls Attention to Medicaid, Biomarker Testing and Medical Debt

January 27, 2026
Hawaii

With the 2026 legislative session now underway in Hawai’i, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading efforts to work with lawmakers on several initiatives which include defending Medicaid and expanding access to screenings for colorectal cancer for the state’s most vulnerable communities. ACS CAN is collaborating

January 21, 2026
Arizona

PHOENIX, ARIZ. - With the 2026 legislative session now underway, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading efforts this session to protect and expand access to quality health care, sustain lifesaving cancer prevention measures, and reestablish Arizona as the country’s leader in tobacco control. ACS CAN

Increasing and Protecting Access to Medicaid Resources

Medicaid is a critical source of health insurance and coverage for more than 77 million Americans, including people with cancer who rely on the program for prevention, timely detection, treatment, and survival. The 2025 budget reconciliation bill makes significant changes to key Medicaid funding mechanisms like state-directed payments and provider taxes, which are expected to reduce states’ ability to finance their Medicaid programs. This factsheet outlines what these changes mean, the projected financial impact on states, and consequences for patient access to cancer care.

ACS CAN submitted comments to CMS opposing Montana's 1115 waiver application to implement work requirements and premiums in their Medicaid program.

ACS CAN opposes policies that condition Medicaid enrollment on work or reporting of work.