Access to Health Insurance

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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.

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LAST CHANCE: Call your U.S. Rep NOW & urge them to STOP devastating health care cuts

The U.S. Senate just passed the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. Your U.S. Representatives have the power to stop these massive cuts. Call your Representative today and urge them to vote NO on cuts to affordable health care.

Latest Updates

July 1, 2025
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – July 1, 2025 – Today the U.S. Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill H.R. 1, by a vote of 51 to 50. John Broome, North Carolina government relations director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released the following statement: “Congress is making an

May 30, 2025
Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A broad coalition of 10 Tennessee advocacy organizations including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will hold a news conference in front of the offices of Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty on Tuesday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at the Fred D. Thompson

May 27, 2025

For over 20 years, Ali spent much of her time caring for others as a nurse and a single mother of two. When Ali started feeling ill in 2021, she knew her symptoms were indicative of a larger issue. Ali voiced her concerns to her doctor but was dismissed. What

May 21, 2025
Utah

Tuesday, Utah advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) delivered nearly 1,000 petitions signed by constituents to Sen. John Curtis’ district office in Salt Lake City, urging him to protect Medicaid by opposing any cuts to the program. The postcards highlighted how looming cuts to Medicaid would harm Utahns, including working families, cancer patients and survivors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans and children.

Access to Health Insurance Resources

Current federal requirements prohibit health insurance plans from denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions like cancer.  These are one of several important patient protections that must be part of any health care system that works for cancer patients.

Current federal law has several provisions that help prevent individuals and families from experiencing gaps in their health insurance coverage.  Coverage gaps can delay necessary care, which is particularly detrimental to cancer patients and survivors.  Preventing gaps in coverage is a crucial patient protection that must be maintained in our health care and insurance system.

Current federal law provides life-saving coverage of cancer prevention and early detection services and programs.  These provisions are crucial to reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the United States.  They are also crucial in helping cancer survivors remain cancer-free and lead healthy lives.