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

April 13, 2026
Virginia

Earlier today, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law bipartisan legislation that will help make prescription drug costs in the Commonwealth more predictable and affordable, delivering on her mandate to reduce cost burdens for Virginians.

March 24, 2026
Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis . – “As lawmakers close the 2025/2026 legislative session, patient advocates are celebrating victories in the fight against cancer. After years of advocacy from volunteers, caregivers and medical professionals, we were thrilled to see the legislature pass Gail’s Law and extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to new moms. “This

March 13, 2026
National

This week, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network submitted comments in a letter opposing several policies in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule for plan year 2027.

February 2, 2026
Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska -- With Alaskans facing soaring health insurance costs and thousands at risk of losing lifesaving coverage, volunteer advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) call on lawmakers to use the 2026 legislative session to preserve access to Medicaid in the state. “Geography should not

Health Insurance Affordability Resources

This factsheet provides background information on how the enhanced ACA tax credits benefit those in rural communities. 

This factsheet seeks to debunk some of the misinformation that has been made about the enhanced ACA tax credits.

This factsheet provides background information on why Congress must act swiftly to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits.