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. 

These enhanced tax credits led to record enrollment in Marketplace plans and have provided 7.2 million people in America with a path to affordable, comprehensive coverage to be able to prevent, detect and treat cancer. Unless Congress acts and makes the ACA enhanced tax credits permanent, affordability will become a barrier to lifesaving cancer screening, early detection, treatment and follow-up care.  

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Shagah video still enhanced tax credits

Health insurance costs will increase for millions if Congress does not act.

 "I would not be here without these subsidies." The tax credits that gave Shagah a fighting chance at life as a cancer patient are at risk of expiring if Congress does not act. Share Shagah's story, and help spread the word.

Latest Updates

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 12, 2025

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee released a budget proposal late last night that would drastically slash funding for Medicaid by $715 billion. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that these cuts will result in at least 8.6 million people losing coverage with no access to affordable health insurance options.

April 22, 2025
Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – April 22, 2025 – “We continue to have grave concerns about the harmful effects SB84 and HB477 would have on Alabamians, especially after the failure of amendments that would have added oversight and patient protections. There’s a reason why these plans are currently illegal. If state lawmakers

April 21, 2025
North Dakota

BISMARCK, ND -– North Dakota legislators made strong moves against cancer this session, passing bills on prior authorization reform and co-pay accumulator adjustments. The last of those bills – House Bill 1216 – passed the ND Senate on Monday and awaits Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s signature. Advocates of the American Cancer

Health Insurance Affordability Resources

This factsheet provides basic information about the enhanced ACA tax credits.

In our latest survey, cancer patients and survivors overwhelmingly support extending financial assistance for people who purchase health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace by a margin of nearly 12 to 1 (72% support, 6% oppose). The survey also finds 43% would not be able to afford their plan without the enhanced tax credits, 30% would skip or delay medical care to reduce expenses, and 24% would accumulate medical debt to afford their care.

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