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 Advocates Held Cancer Action Day at Capitol Today, Urging Lawmakers to Protect Kids from Tobacco and Preserve Access to Health Care through Medicaid

February 18, 2020
Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska – Cancer patients, their families and other volunteers from around the state who have been touched by cancer united at the State Capitol in Juneau today to share their personal stories and push for policy change to fight cancer. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS

Cancer Advocates Held Cancer Action Day at Capitol Today, Urging Lawmakers to Reduce Barriers to Cancer Care

February 18, 2020
Tennessee

Nashville, TN – Cancer patients, their families and other volunteers from around the state who have been touched by cancer came together at the State Capitol in Nashville to advocate for cancer-fighting legislation today, Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted

U.S. Appeals Court Strikes Down Medicaid Work Requirements

February 14, 2020
National

Today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled unanimously that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should not have approved work requirements and other barriers to eligibility for Medicaid as part of a request from the state of Arkansas.

House Committees Set to Vote on Legislation to End Surprise Medical Bills

February 11, 2020
National

Washington, D.C.—This week the House Education and Labor and Ways and Means Committees are set to mark-up legislation that would exempt patients from having to pay surprise medical bills in most circumstances. Surprise medical bills are bills that result from a patient unexpectedly receiving care or a service from an

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