Access to Health Care

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.

Latest Updates

September 22, 2023
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina legislature passed the fiscal year 2023 biennium budget today that included $1 billion in additional funds for Medicaid expansion, allocated annually. The passage came after weeks of negotiations that have delayed implementation of Medicaid expansion. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

September 22, 2023

ACS CAN and leading public health, consumer and provider groups filed an amicus curiae (or friend-of-the-court) brief in the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo urging the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) not to overturn the “ Chervon deference." This would pose a significant threat to the country’s health care system by undermining the work of federal health agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

September 21, 2023
National

Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) commenting on draft guidance related to the maximum monthly cap on patient co-payments under prescription drug plans, referred to as the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which will begin in plan year 2025.

September 20, 2023
Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Emily Myatt was recognized as the country’s top government relations professional by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in honor of her exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies. ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the award to

Access to Health Care Resources

Half of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) cancer patients and survivors report they are concerned about facing discrimination in a health care setting. More than one-third have experienced discrimination in a healthcare setting, with significant impacts on their care.

ACS CAN strongly opposes any attempt by the federal government or states to condition Medicaid coverage on work or community engagement.

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