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Washington, D.C.—The U.S. House of Representatives is set to pass legislation today that would increase access to health coverage for millions of Americans, including cancer patients and survivors, as part of its pandemic relief package. The bill increases the generosity of subsidies to cover the costs of marketplace health plans—including offering subsides to those who are receiving unemployment benefits—offers financial support to cover the bulk of premium costs for laid off workers who choose to keep their employer-sponsored health care plans and boosts the federal reimbursement for states to expand their Medicaid programs. A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the ...

... yesterday evening it will immediately end funding for cost sharing reductions (CSRs) that help low- and middle-income families afford their health coverage. The announcement follows an executive order issued earlier in the day encouraging the creation of association health plans and signaling a change in the rules governing the length and renewability of short-term catastrophic insurance plans.  A statement ... pay when they see their doctors and obtain treatment. Without those subsidies, many patients will not be able to afford to get their recommended care and could delay, or worse, forego necessary cancer early detection tests, treatment and follow-up care.   “Instead of taking actions to ...

Washington, D.C.—Cancer patients and those who’ve recently completed treatment are finding it challenging to get necessary health care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and many are experiencing financial stress trying to afford care in an increasingly difficult economic ... services to determine if a patient’s cancer had grown or returned (20%); access to supportive services, including physical therapy or mental health care (20%); and access to surgical procedures (8%). Among just the respondents who remain in active treatment, more than a quarter (27%) ...

... than 50 cancer groups are calling on Congress and the administration to take action to help cancer patients gain, maintain and afford health coverage during the ongoing pandemic. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, along with the American Society of Clinical ... Lymphoma Society, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, led the effort to send letters to Congressional leadership and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar detailing several measures each could take to alleviate challenges for patients. Some of the changes ... a special enrollment period so uninsured or underinsured Americans can enroll in comprehensive health plans established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), increased funding for state Medicaid programs and subsidies to help people who lose their employer-sponsored health care afford ...