CONCORD – Today, lawmakers voted to reauthorize Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire, ensuring thousands of Granite Staters have access to the affordable healthcare they need. The vote is particularly poignant for the dozens of cancer patients and survivors who lobbied for passage of this legislation as June marks Cancer Survivors Month.
The following statement can be attributed to Mike Rollo, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in New Hampshire:
“Today is a day to celebrate: after months of advocating for the reauthorization of the Granite Advantage program, thousands of Granite Staters can now rest easy knowing access to affordable healthcare will continue for the next seven years – and hopefully beyond.
“Medicaid is a lifeline for thousands of families who without health insurance would not have access to the screening, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care they need. On behalf of cancer patients, survivors, and countless other Granite Staters who need access to affordable healthcare, ACS CAN applauds New Hampshire lawmakers for putting public health first and reauthorizing Medicaid expansion.”
Throughout the legislative session, cancer patients and survivors from around New Hampshire have been advocating for passage of this legislation. In March, dozens convened at the State House to share their stories and urge lawmakers to support SB 263. Photos and video from that event can be found here.
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About ACS CAN
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 improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.