Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

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National

Cuts to Medicaid Would Hurt Cancer Patients

1 in 3 children with cancer and 1 in 10 adults with a history of cancer rely on Medicaid for their care. Yet some in Congress want to make massive, rushed cuts to this lifesaving program that hardworking people in American count on for critical health care.

Contact your Member of Congress today

Latest Updates

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Big Wins Against Cancer: Advocates Celebrate Successful 2025 North Dakota Session, Await Signature on Co-Pay Accumulators

April 21, 2025
North Dakota

BISMARCK, ND -– North Dakota legislators made strong moves against cancer this session, passing bills on prior authorization reform and co-pay accumulator adjustments. The last of those bills – House Bill 1216 – passed the ND Senate on Monday and awaits Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s signature. Advocates of the American Cancer

Legislature Passes New Protections for Washingtonians Facing Medical Debt, Health Care Advocates Await Governor’s Signature

April 11, 2025
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. --– Washington residents facing financial barriers because of medical debt stand to benefit if two bills passed by the legislature this week are signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Leading patient organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma

House Members Must Stand up for Cancer Patients and Their Families by Protecting Medicaid from Cuts in Latest Budget Proposal 

April 9, 2025
National

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a budget resolution that could lead to devastating cuts to Medicaid.

General Assembly Reaches Consensus on Copay Accumulator Reform, Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

April 8, 2025
Maryland

The Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 773 and House Bill 1246, finding common ground on the effort to make prescription drugs more affordable. The proposal now heads to Governor Wes Moore’s desk.

Access to Health Care Resources

Medicaid Funding Caps are a Barrier to Care for Cancer Patients & Survivors

February 13, 2025

ACS CAN opposes per capita caps, block grants, and other capped funding structures for the Medicaid program, as they endanger access to care.

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards and the Impact on Cancer Care

October 4, 2024

ACS CAN has long fought for public policies that support the availability and affordability of medically necessary prescription drugs. 

ACS CAN Comments re: Removing Medical Debt from Credit Reports

August 9, 2024

ACS CAN submitted comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau strongly supporting the proposal to prohibit medical debt from appearing on credit reports.