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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Missourians Vote to Increase Access to Health Coverage Will Protect Its Most Vulnerable Citizens

August 5, 2020
Missouri

Jefferson City, MO — Missourians approval of Amendment 2 will improve health outcomes and reduce cancer disparities for 230,000 citizens who will gain access to health insurance coverage through the state’s Medicaid program. On Tuesday, voters responded “yes” to Amendment 2, which asked if Medicaid should be expanded to low-income

ACS CAN Applauds Legislation to Reduce Minnesota’s Cancer Burden, Urges Lawmakers to Do More

July 30, 2020
Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Three pieces of legislation that reduce Minnesota’s cancer burden go into effect August 1st. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commends the implementation of the new state tobacco 21 law, clinical trials as well as breast and cervical cancer laws to address the

Cancer Candor Blog

The Path to Health Equity Starts with Access to Care

July 29, 2020

One critical approach to reducing health disparities is increasing access to affordable health care. Lisa joined Dr. Lori Pierce, the current President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), to jointly author an editorial for this year’s Urban One Engaging Black America on the importance of removing barriers to care.

ACS CAN: Efforts to Reduce Drug Prices Must Balance Affordability with Access to Innovation and Safety

July 24, 2020

Today President Trump signed executive orders on pharmaceutical rebates, prescription drug importation and an International Pricing Index (IPI) or “Most Favored Nation” Model. The following is a response to the executive orders from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

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.

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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.

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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.

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