JACKSON, MS – Cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and physicians from across the state traveled to Jackson to meet with their elected officials in person today and urge them to increase access to care through Medicaid. The meetings coincide with the release of new polling showing 55% of Republican primary voters support the expansion of Medicaid.
Advocates are using their voices today to urge state lawmakers to prioritize the passage of legislation that will increase eligibility to Medicaid for more than 200,000 hardworking Mississippians, improving access to care in the state, including access to cancer screenings and treatments.
“Access to health care coverage is one of the most significant factors when it comes to surviving a cancer diagnosis and it is well past time Mississippi lawmakers to close the coverage gap and give more Mississippians a fighting chance against this disease,” said Kimberly Hughes, Mississippi government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “We’re encouraged by the current momentum for this policy in the legislature and our advocates are sharing their stories to show the people this issue impacts in the capitol today.”
According to the recent ACS CAN poll, nearly 60% of Republican primary voters say they think health care is unaffordable in the state and more than 70% say they support a program that allows more of Mississippi’s federal tax dollars to be spent on getting hardworking Mississippians access to critical health care services.
“Elected officials across the state must do more to support Mississippians caught in the coverage gap and this legislation is their chance to do that,” said Hughes. “If lawmakers fail to increase eligibility for Medicaid to more hardworking Mississippians this session, too many residents will continue to be forced to go without things like cancer screenings, medications and treatments they may need. Enough is enough; a majority of those polled agree, it’s Mississippi’s turn to expand Medicaid.”
In 2024, an estimated 18,170 Mississippians will be diagnosed with cancer, and 6,650 will die from the devastating disease. Cancer survivors at the capitol call upon Mississippi legislative leaders to change this by honoring their commitment to expand Medicaid.
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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.