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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House Set to Pass Relief Bill Expanding Access to Health Coverage

February 26, 2021
National

The U.S. House of Representatives is likely to pass legislation today that would increase access to health coverage for millions of Americans, including cancer patients and survivors, as part of its pandemic relief package.

Cancer Patients and Survivors Rally Legislators Virtually Due to COVID-19

February 25, 2021
Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN – The unpredictable and dynamic nature of COVID-19 is no match for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) volunteers’ steadfast commitment. Because of the virus and the elevated risk for those with compromised immune systems, cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers from across the state traveled

Cancer Advocates and Lawmakers Attend Prescription Drug Town Hall

February 25, 2021
Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – This week, cancer survivors and advocates joined virtual town halls throughout the state to hear from state lawmakers, including the bill sponsors, on prescription drug legislation currently being considered. "Soaring out-of-pocket costs make prescription drugs unaffordable for far too many Illinoisans, especially those with chronic conditions," said

Patient, Disability and Health Care Organizations Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Access to Medicaid and Rule Against Work and Community Engagement Requirements

February 25, 2021

Washington, D.C. — Fifteen groups representing patients, people with disabilities and health care professionals filed an amicus curiae - or friend of the court - brief today urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to health coverage as it considers the validity of work and community

Access to Health Care Resources

Telehealth for People Living with and Beyond Cancer

November 9, 2020

Telehealth visits that enable providers to deliver clinical services from a distance using options like video conferencing and remote monitoring can provide cancer patients and survivors with a convenient means of accessing both cancer care and primary care.

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Patient Assistance Programs & Discount Coupons

May 28, 2020

Many cancer patients have difficulty affording the cost of their prescription drugs, regardless of whether they are insured.  This is especially true for newer drugs that do not have a generic equivalent.  Many programs exist to help patients afford their medication.  This fact sheet focuses on two of these – patient assistance programs and discount coupons.  

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Joint Letter to Congress on Patient Coverage Priorities in COVID Relief Packages

April 15, 2020

ACS CAN joined 50 groups representing, cancer patients, survivors, doctors, nurses, cancer centers, pharmacists and researchers urging Congress to address barriers to patient access to care and coverage.

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