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

This factsheet shows how the enhanced ACA tax credits have benefitted historically marginalized communities. 

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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