Affordable Care Act and the Budget
While Congress remains in recess until after Labor Day, members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or what has commonly come to be known as the "super committee," have already begun discussions in preparation for the work that lies ahead. While traditionally at ACS CAN we have associated the budget and appropriations process mostly with funding for cancer research and programs, we know that because of the broad scope and authority of this committee, we will need to include a more expansive spectrum of legislative priorities as part of communications to lawmakers. Among the concerns we will be looking out for will be funding for programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which are key to continuing to provide access to care for cancer patients and critical to implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Over the next few weeks, you can expect to see updated messaging and strategies as it relates to this committee.
New Report Shows Unemployed Skipping Out on Health Care
With unemployment rates still high, many jobless Americans are opting out of important medical services according to a new Commonwealth Fund report. The study found that 72 percent of those who have lost employer-sponsored health insurance have not filled prescriptions, did not get recommended tests, or avoided seeing a doctor because of the high cost barrier.
Although continuing health coverage through COBRA is an option for the unemployed, the expense prohibits many from purchasing it. The report acknowledges that when fully implemented in 2014, the federal subsidies and Medicaid expansion offered in the Affordable Care Act will provide significantly more health care options for the unemployed. Gaps in coverage will remain, and the report recommends Congress reestablish COBRA premium subsidies to assist the recently unemployed.
As always, thank you for all you do every day to support laws and policies that help cancer patients and their families
Christopher W. Hansen
President
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)