Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

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Cindy in front of the Capitol general cropped
National

Take Action: Oppose Medicaid Cuts that Children with Cancer Rely On

Cindy is living proof that Medicaid saves lives from cancer. “Medicaid saved my life and helped keep my family from going bankrupt.” Urge Congress to oppose Medicaid cuts that 1 in 3 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S., like Cindy, rely on for life-saving care.

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Latest Updates

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Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Reduce the Toll of Tobacco and Improve Access to Care

March 5, 2025
Michigan

Cancer Advocates Gathered at the Statehouse Today to Say Michigan Can and Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer on Michiganders

New York Senate Promises to Advance Legislation Improving New Yorkers’ Access to Paid Leave, Advocates Urge Assembly to Follow Suit

March 4, 2025
New York

This afternoon, the New York State Senate will advance legislation (Senate Bill 172) that would improve New Yorkers’ access to paid medical leave with senators lending sweeping, bipartisan support. The Assembly companion legislation (Assembly Bill 84) awaits similar consideration, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are urging Assemblymembers to vote in support.

Advocates Urge North Dakota Lawmakers to Reduce the Cost of Fighting Cancer

March 4, 2025
North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. –– North Dakota legislators have strong momentum against cancer heading into the second half of the session as bills on prior authorization reform, supplemental breast cancer detection screenings and co-pay accumulator adjustments are progressing. Advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network are grateful for the progress

Lawmakers Roll Out Yet Another Bill Designed to Take Health Care from Tens of Thousands of Hard-working Idahoans

March 3, 2025
Idaho

BOISE, Idaho – – A bill that would serve to strip health care from thousands of hard-working Idahoans will be heard by the Health & Welfare Committee of the Idaho House of Representatives on Tuesday. House Bill 345 would make significant, damaging changes to voter-initiated Medicaid expansion and could keep

Access to Health Care Resources

Medicaid Funding Caps are a Barrier to Care for Cancer Patients & Survivors

February 13, 2025

ACS CAN opposes per capita caps, block grants, and other capped funding structures for the Medicaid program, as they endanger access to care.

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards and the Impact on Cancer Care

October 4, 2024

ACS CAN has long fought for public policies that support the availability and affordability of medically necessary prescription drugs. 

ACS CAN Comments re: Removing Medical Debt from Credit Reports

August 9, 2024

ACS CAN submitted comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau strongly supporting the proposal to prohibit medical debt from appearing on credit reports.