Health Insurance Affordability

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Access to affordable health insurance is a key factor for surviving cancer. Individuals who are uninsured or who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their insurance are less likely to get screened for cancer and therefore less likely to survive a cancer diagnosis.  

Through the Affordable Care Act, those with lower incomes who purchase health insurance plans on the Marketplace receive tax credits to help make plans more affordable.  The tax credits were later expanded to provide more individuals with financial assistance to help them afford their health insurance plans. Unfortunately, these enhanced health care tax credits expired on January 1, 2026, because Congress failed to renew them. 

These enhanced tax credits led to record enrollment in Marketplace plans and provided millions with a path to affordable, comprehensive coverage to be able to prevent, detect and treat cancer.  Due to these tax credits expiring, 20 million people are facing higher health insurance costs and millions have become uninsured due to a lack of affordable options. Congress needs to reinstate enhanced health care tax credits and work to make health care more affordable.

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Pledge to keep fighting for affordable cancer care

The fight to ensure cancer patients can get the care they need at a price they can afford is far from over. Our collective voices matter. Pledge to keep fighting today.

Latest Updates

August 18, 2026
Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 81% of Wisconsin voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. Further, in the poll, 63%

August 13, 2026
Nevada

A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 59% of Nevada voters have a notable concern about young people in their community using tobacco products. Further, voters see a role for the government when it comes to kids and tobacco use prevention programs. Conducted

August 13, 2026
Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 82% of Kansas voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. This attitude is also

August 13, 2026
Georgia

ATLANTA – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows 85% of Georgia voters believe all Americans, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, should have access to affordable cancer screening and treatment close to home. Further, nearly all (96%) believe that

Health Insurance Affordability Resources

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds nearly three in four cancer patients and survivors who rely on the marketplace for comprehensive coverage stand to lose access to lifesaving care if the enhanced premium tax credits are not extended. Additionally, one quarter of those who rely on the enhanced health care tax credits report that if the credits expire, they will become uninsured or forced into a non-comprehensive "junk" plan.

There have been a number of changes to Marketplace Open Enrollment for plan year 2026. This factsheet is designed to help consumers as they navigate their options. 

This factsheet explains what health care tax credits (also known as "enhanced tax credits") are and why Congress needs to extend them before they expire at the end of the year.