2021 Kentucky Session Summary

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Kentucky touched by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. In 2021, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) worked with the Kentucky General Assembly in support of the following priorities:
 

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

• Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding:  ACS CAN advocated for restoring funding for evidence-based, statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation programs to $3.3 million. The funding was maintained at the $2 million level, but we are committed to continuing to educate and advocate for increased funding for next session.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• Colorectal Cancer: ACS CAN asked Kentucky lawmakers to maintain funding for the state colon cancer prevention and screening program at the $500,000 level. Our advocacy efforts were successful, as the funding was maintained for the upcoming fiscal year beginning on July 1.

• Pediatric Cancer Trust Fund: ACS CAN advocated for maintained funding for the state pediatric cancer trust fund at $2.5 million. Our advocacy efforts were successful, as the funding was maintained for the upcoming fiscal year beginning on July 1.

Ensuring Access to Quality Care

• Protect Medicaid Coverage for Colon Cancer Screening and Genetic Testing: ACS CAN supported advocacy efforts around protecting Medicaid coverage for colon cancer screening and genetic testing, including ACS recommended guidelines. This legislation passed both chambers, was signed into law, and will go into effect on June 29, 2021.

• Copay Accumulator Legislation: ACS CAN supported and advocated for legislation that will ensure patients receive the full value of prescription drug assistance they use to afford their treatments. This legislation passed both chambers, was signed into law, and will go into effect on January 1, 2022.