Access to Health Insurance

As Congress considers changes to the Affordable Care Act, it is critically important that lawmakers maintain the patient protections that are so important to cancer patients and survivors, and ensure insurance coverage is truly affordable.  

We can never go back to the day when cancer patients couldn’t get health insurance coverage because they exceeded a lifetime limit or are denied coverage just because they survived cancer.  And, we must ensure they don’t experience any gap in their health insurance coverage and that their policies are truly affordable.

A study conducted by the American Cancer Society showed that people who are uninsured or underinsured are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at its more advanced stages when treatment is more expensive and patients are more likely to die from the disease.

Latest Updates

September 11, 2023
National

Late Friday, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) issued a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service commenting on the short-term, limited duration (STLD) insurance rule proposed by the Tri-Agencies in July.

June 26, 2023
National

According to a new survey, half of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) cancer patients and survivors report they are concerned they may face discrimination in a health care setting. More than one-third have experienced discrimination in a health care setting due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 75% of those who say they experienced discrimination feel it impacted their health care.

June 23, 2023
National

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) submitted comments today supporting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule to expand federal insurance coverage eligibility to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.

May 11, 2023
National

A majority (58%) of cancer patients and survivors say they would be less likely to remain current with their recommended preventive care if it came with a cost, according to a new survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Over half (53%) of those surveyed quantified the cost that would present such a barrier at less than $200, with more than a quarter (28%) marking their threshold at $100.

Access to Health Insurance Resources

High deductible health plans (HDHPs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are becoming more common in employer-sponsored insurance and the individual and small group markets.  These types of plans have risks and features must be implemented carefully so they do not harm cancer patients, survivors or those at risk for cancer.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped individuals with pre-existing conditions like cancer access comprehensive health insurance and afford their care. But the law is at risk of being dismantled.

ACS CAN Comments on Interstate Sale of Insurance