Increased Access to Medicaid

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Access to Health Care

Where you live should not determine whether you live. But, for millions of low-income Americans, the state they live in could determine if they have access to health services, including cancer care.  To date, 38 states and the District of Columbia have increased access to their Medicaid programs, providing more than twelve million individuals and families access to health care coverage and to lifesaving tests like mammograms, colonoscopies and other cancer screenings. 

We are working in the remaining 12 states to reach the day when everyone has access to affordable health care.  Going to the doctor is much cheaper than going to the emergency room. And, for a family, preventing cancer is much less expensive than treating it. 

We know how to save lives from cancer.  And we know how to save money on health care costs.  Ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance – especially during tough times – is an important first step.  

  

38 states have increased access to health care through Medicaid, helping provide twelve million Americans with access to lifesaving cancer care.

Latest Updates

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North Carolina could be the next state to expand access to quality, affordable health care

May 27, 2022
National, North Carolina

Earlier this week, North Carolina Senate leaders introduced a bill to increase eligibility for the state’s Medicaid program. If passed, this bill would expand quality, affordable coverage to more than 600,000 North Carolinians, many with serious and chronic health conditions.

Legislative Leadership Expected to Take Up Medicaid Expansion in the 2022 Session

May 18, 2022
North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – May 18, 2022 – For nearly 10 consecutive years, Medicaid expansion has been debated amongst North Carolina lawmakers and put on the backburner. That all might change during this session as lawmakers continue to have the most robust conversations on the issue since the passage

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Expresses Encouragement in the Fight Against Cancer Following Release of Governor’s Proposed Budget

May 11, 2022
North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – May 11, 2022 – Gov. Roy Cooper released his budget priorities ahead of the 2022 regular session, including expanding Medicaid eligibility in the state. On behalf of all families touched by cancer – and the over 600,000 North Carolinians who would finally be able to access

House Introduces Health Equity Bill Critical to Reducing Health Disparities and Fighting Chronic Disease

April 26, 2022

Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today aims to improve access to quality health care for and decrease health disparities in communities of color.

Increased Access to Medicaid Resources

ACS CAN Comments re: Request for Information on Access to Coverage and Care in Medicaid & CHIP

April 18, 2022

ACS CAN submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding its 2022 Request for Information on Access to Coverage and Care in Medicaid & CHIP. Our comments address suggested improvements in Medicaid enrollment and eligibility determination, transitions of coverage, national standards for access to care, and the eventual end of the public health emergency and continuous coverage provisions.

ACS CAN Comments re: Oregon Medicaid 1115 Waiver Renewal

April 11, 2022

ACS CAN submitted comments in support of the renewal of Oregon's 1115 Medicaid waiver, including the state's proposal of continuous coverage provisions for children and adults. However, ACS CAN strongly objects to the state's proposal to limit Medicaid coverage of drugs approved through the accelerated approval process, and urges CMS to reject this part of the waiver request.

ACS CAN Comments re: ARHOME Section 1115 Demonstration Application

October 23, 2021