Access to Health Care

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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.

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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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Medicare Drug Rule Could Leave Patients Unable to Access Necessary Prescription Medications

November 23, 2020
National

Washington, D.C. —The Trump administration issued a interim final rule Friday that would significantly change how Medicare pays for certain prescription drugs. The “Most Favored Nation” policy would tie Medicare drug reimbursement for certain drugs to that of prices paid in select foreign countries. A statement from the American Cancer

Report: Complex Medicare Appeals Process Leaves Patients at Risk for Delayed or Denied Care

November 16, 2020
National

As millions of seniors and other enrollees select their 2021 Medicare health benefits during annual open enrollment, a new report details just how confusing the program’s appeals process can be should a patient need to appeal a claim denial for health care services or prescription drugs.

Patient Groups Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Prioritize Patients and Uphold Health Care Law

November 9, 2020
National

Twenty patient groups representing millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to prioritize patient protections, including those for people with pre-existing conditions, when it hears oral arguments Tuesday in the case of California v. Texas ( previously Texas v. United States).

Tribal Leadership, Healthcare & Government Officials Examine Disparities Affecting Cancer Outcomes

November 9, 2020
Oklahoma

Cancer patients and survivors continue to experience potentially serious health care delays during the pandemic, and tomorrow leadership across Oklahoma will shine a light on the disparities affecting Native Americans’ cancer outcomes.

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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