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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Hawai’i Emerging as Leader in Colorectal Cancer Fight as State Lawmakers Approve Expanded Access to Screenings and Treatment

May 7, 2026
Hawaii

HONOLULU - On Wednesday, the state Legislature passed a measure to aid in the fight against colorectal cancer as cases and deaths continue to rise in Hawai'i from the disease, particularly in younger people. If signed by Gov. Josh Green, HB 1969 will expand access and screenings for residents across

Washington Lawmakers Missed Opportunity to Protect Access to Cancer Prevention, Detection Resources  

April 27, 2026
Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. – – Washington residents continue to face soaring health insurance costs and hundreds of thousands are at risk of losing life-saving coverage this year following changes to Medicaid. The Washington Legislature didn’t do enough to help that situation in its 2026 session and too many in the state

Sen. Chang Files Legislation to Ensure All Copays Count: Advocates Applaud Efforts to End Copay Accumulator Policies

April 23, 2026
Michigan

Sen. Stephanie Chang introduced legislation that would address insurance companies' copay accumulator adjustment programs and ensure Michiganders receive the total value of prescription drug assistance to afford their treatments, improving access to care for Michiganders.

North Carolinians’ Health on the Line in New Medicaid Bill

April 22, 2026
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a Medicaid bill with unnecessary risks that could be life-threatening for North Carolinians. The bill creates a worst-case scenario for the implementation of the Medicaid cost-sharing and work requirements from the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed in

Access to Health Care Resources

Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization

March 30, 2026

ACS CAN’s Vaccination Policies and the Impact on the Cancer Community: The Important Role of Childhood Immunization report outlines the critical importance of childhood immunizations for people with cancer and their families, and why maintaining high vaccination coverage among ch

ACS CAN comments on NCQA colorectal cancer screening HEDIS measure

March 12, 2026

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA’s) on their proposed new quality measure for HEDIS measurement year (MY) 2027 related to follow-up after positive colorectal

ACS & ACS CAN Comment Letter to ACIP for March 2026 Meeting

March 11, 2026

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are pleased to provide comments to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Our comments reflect our commitment to cancer prevention and control and focus on ensuring that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization schedules are grounded in strong scientific evidence, and provide clear, actionable information to healthcare professionals, parents, and payers.