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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Cancer patient

New Senate coronavirus bill needs critical health provisions

Ask your U.S. Senators to include three critical provisions in the new coronavirus relief bill to support cancer patients and survivors.

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Latest Updates

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Documentary Left Behind by Medicaid Program Chosen for Screening at Knoxville Film Festival

September 18, 2020
Tennessee

Knoxville, TN – With the COVID-19 pandemic shining a bright light on the importance of affordable and accessible health insurance coverage, Medicaid continues to be a central topic of discussion among public health advocates, hospital and health systems administrators, community leaders and state lawmakers. Now that conversation continues in

Statement on the Death of Supreme Court Justice and Equal Rights Champion Ruth Bader Ginsburg

September 18, 2020
National

A statement from Gary M. Reedy, CEO of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows on the death of Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg from complications from pancreatic cancer

Leading Cancer Advocacy Organization Urges Montana’s U.S. Senate Candidates to Make Fighting Cancer a National Priority

September 17, 2020
Montana

Cancer patients, survivors and volunteer advocates from across Montana met virtually Thursday with U.S. Senate candidate Gov. Steve Bullock for a nonpartisan discussion on policies and issues that are critical to fighting cancer. The meeting was part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Cancer Votes campaign—the nation’s leading voter education program informing the public and candidates about the actions lawmakers should take to make fighting cancer a national priority.

New Medicare Drug Rule Could Leave Patients Unable to Access Needed Medications

September 14, 2020
National

The Trump administration issued an executive order Sunday that would significantly change how Medicare pays for certain prescription drugs. The “Most Favored Nation” policy would tie Medicare drug reimbursement for certain drugs under Part B and D t o that of prices paid in select foreign countries.

Access to Health Care Resources

Infographic: Coverage Counts in the Cancer Fight

March 24, 2017

Reducing the cancer burden depends on access to meaningful health coverage for all Americans. ACS CAN created an infographic to help illustrate the difference between having access to affordable, adequate coverage and facing barriers to care when facing a cancer diagnosis.

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Understanding Health Insurance (ACS)

September 30, 2016

Resources and information from the American Cancer Society about understanding health insurance, particularly for cancer patients and survivors.

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Cancer Information Services (HIAS/NCIC)

September 30, 2016

The American Cancer Society operates a call center available to all cancer patients and their families, that includes resources and specialists who can help patients with questions about health insurance, enrolling in a plan, and issues accessing care.

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