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Kentucky Legislature Turning its Back on Cancer Patients
Passing House Bill 7 Could Jeopardize Kentucky Cancer Patients’ Chance of Survival
March 22, 2022
FRANKFORT, KY. – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) opposes House bill 7, which would require a majority of adults enrolled in Medicaid to meet various work requirements as a condition of eligibility for health care coverage and create a more complex and burdensome system for determining Medicaid eligibility. Imposing a work or job training requirement as a condition of eligibility and putting up barriers to Medicaid eligibility could result in a significant number of cancer patients, survivors and many other individuals managing severe, chronic illnesses being denied access to timely, appropriate and lifesaving health care and treatment services.
“Maintaining access to quality, affordable, accessible and comprehensive health care coverage and services is a matter of life and survivorship for thousands of low-income cancer patients and survivors in Kentucky,” said Kristy Young, Kentucky government relations director, ACS CAN. “ACS CAN urges the Senate to stop HB 7 as many cancer patients in active treatment are often unable to work or require significant work modifications due to their treatment. It would also create unnecessary red tape for Medicaid enrollees as well as increased and expensive administrative burdens for the administration.”
Around 30,370 Kentuckians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year – many of whom are receiving health care coverage through Kentucky’s Medicaid program. The Medicaid program helps low-income cancer patients and survivors manage their disease, maintain a good quality of life and improve their financial situation. For these and many other reasons, Medicaid is a critical safety net in the fight against cancer. We urge the legislature to stop this dangerous legislation that would create barriers for cancer patients and cost lives.
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
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