Increased Access to Medicaid

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, 40 states and the District of Columbia have increased access to their Medicaid programs, providing over 21 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 10 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.  

  

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

Latest Updates

September 22, 2023
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina legislature passed the fiscal year 2023 biennium budget today that included $1 billion in additional funds for Medicaid expansion, allocated annually. The passage came after weeks of negotiations that have delayed implementation of Medicaid expansion. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

August 9, 2023
Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL -- AUGUST 9, 2023 -- To help Alabama reach its fullest workforce participation potential – like Gov. Kay Ivey says she wants – we must give workers a fighting chance to stay healthy enough to work. That’s why I am calling on the Governor to

July 28, 2023
Alabama

Every day, I go to work at the VA in Tuscaloosa to conduct life-saving studies to help our veterans. I’ve seen the health challenges they face with drug and alcohol addiction; my work looks at ways to improve care options for those battling addiction. I also know the personal health

June 8, 2023
National

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a decision in the case of Health and Hospital Corportation of Marion County v. Talevski siding with the plaintiff and ruling that individuals could enforce their civil rights to spending clause programs such as Medicaid via Section 1983.

Increased Access to Medicaid Resources

ACS CAN submitted comments opposing Tennessee's proposal to fund its Medicaid program through a block grant and implement a closed formulary.

ACS CAN comments supporting Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma, but opposing their proposal to rescind retroactive eligibility