RALEIGH, N.C. – November 30, 2023 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) recognizes a monumental day for all North Carolinians for which they can take pride and have a sense of relief for the nearly 600,000 people who will now have access to affordable, quality healthcare through Medicaid expansion.
Hundreds of thousands of people will no longer live in the coverage gap, causing them to die younger than those with health insurance. The majority of people living in the gap are people of color.
“Medicaid expansion opens the door for people to access critical preventive and follow-up care that means more people will survive and thrive after a cancer diagnosis,” said ACS CAN North Carolina Government Relations Director John Broome. “We are proud of the tireless work of our staff and volunteer advocates who met with their elected officials, wrote letters, attended rallies and spoke with reporters about the dire need to close the coverage gap in North Carolina.”
Now that Medicaid is expanding, it’s important for people to know the rules of eligibility have changed. Interested parties should submit an application and look at health insurance options. Our website has more information about how to enroll and where you can schedule an in-person appointment for help.
ACS CAN will continue to push to expand health care access in 10 remaining states.
To find video and print stories of people directly impacted by Medicaid expansion, click here.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.