Access to Health Care

Share

Photo of a Doctor visiting their patient in the hospital

Related Priorities

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.

Take Action

Photo of female Cancer patient with a pink scarf

Ask Congress to find a bipartisan solution to improving healthcare

Join us in pressing Congress to continue working toward a bipartisan solution that reduces healthcare costs for patients and survivors while providing true access to the cancer care they need.

Take Action

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Cancer Patient Cannot Afford to Wait on Prior Authorization

March 30, 2020
Pennsylvania

Learn about the real life impact of prior authorization from two cancer patients who have dealt with this issue firsthand.

Tennessee Legislature recesses until June 1st

March 25, 2020
Tennessee

The Tennessee Legislature will be in recess until June 1st. As lawmaker hurried to pass key legislation amid growing concern around COVID-19, they continue to think about 39,360 Tennesseans who will hear the words “you have cancer” this year. We commend the legislature for passing the Rare Disease Advisory Council

Senate Stimulus Bill Will Provide Critical Resources to Help Nonprofits Serve Patients in Time of Overwhelming Need

March 25, 2020
National

Today the U.S. Senate passed its third stimulus bill, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes critical provisions to help the nation’s nonprofits continue to serve the people who rely on their services such as beneficial tax, employment, and economic provisions, including tax incentives to encourage charitable contributions at this unprecedented time.

Cancer Candor Blog

Our Nation's Health Depends on Access to Care: 10 Years of the ACA

March 23, 2020

If there was ever a time to recognize the necessity of expanding access to meaningful health coverage, it’s now.

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more