2010 Maryland Legislative Priorities and Agenda

2010 Maryland Legislative Agenda

The Society will advocate reforming the health care system in Maryland to include the provision of medical care for Maryland residents newly diagnosed with cancer.

The Society will advocate increasing State funding for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program and restoring funding for Tobacco and Cancer Control programs.

The Society will advocate including small cigars/brown cigarettes in the definition of cigarettes.

The Society will advocate strengthening Maryland's youth tobacco control laws.

The Society will advocate improving physical education in Maryland public schools.

Legislative Priorities as prescribed by ACS CAN

Increase Access to Health Care

The American Cancer Society believes that all persons should have access to comprehensive, affordable quality health care, regardless of race, ethnicity, marital or parental status, employment status, ability to pay, or preexisting health conditions.  The Society will advocate for expanding access to health care for all Maryland residents.

Assure Access to Cancer Screening and Treatment

The American Cancer Society believes that state laws requiring insurance carriers to cover the cost of routine cancer screenings and treatment are needed to protect health care quality.  The Society will advocate protecting laws that assure access to life-saving cancer screening and treatment and for continued Cigarette Restitution Fund resources for cancer screening programs for Maryland’s medically underserved residents.

Reduce Incidence of Lung Cancer

A priority of the American Cancer Society is to reduce illness and deaths due to tobacco use.  The Society will defend Maryland’s smoke-free policies, expand cessation benefits under all state mandated health insurance plans, increase state tobacco taxes, and advocate funding tobacco control programs at the CDC recommended level.

Assure Access to Cancer and Cancer Pain Medications

A priority of the Society is to ensure high-quality medications for adequate cancer symptom and pain control that improve the quality of life for cancer patients.  The Society will advocate for improving treatment and management of pain and its accompanying symptoms and funding of programs providing cancer patients access to the prescription medications through a safe and effective manner.

Address Disparities in Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment

A priority of the Society is to ensure continued investment of state funds for the Centers for Disease Control breast and cervical cancer screening program. The Society will advocate for increasing the state match for the BCCP.

For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org/maryland

Bonita Pennino, Government Relations Director [email protected]  or 301-933-9350

Sherry McCammon, Grassroots Manager [email protected] or 410-933-5146