WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to mark up its budget resolution this week, setting the stage for significant cuts in discretionary spending to offset the cost of the package. The House Budget Committee is also expected to mark up their own budget resolution soon. Lawmakers in both chambers have suggested cuts to Medicaid, which provides access to preventive screenings and cancer treatments that help save patients’ lives.
Ahead of the markup, Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released the following statement, urging Congress to resist cuts to the program that is so critical to the cancer fight:
“Any cuts to Medicaid would significantly jeopardize critical health care access for millions of people in America. Research from the American Cancer Society has repeatedly shown that having comprehensive, affordable health insurance is a major determining factor in surviving cancer.
“Medicaid also plays a critical role in the health of our nation’s children, with 1 in 3 childhood cancer patients relying on the program to access essential treatments, medications and supportive services without the burden of overwhelming costs. In this way, Medicaid also helps keep families from experiencing the devastating impacts of medical debt.
“Voters from all political parties overwhelmingly believe that Medicaid is a vital and critical program. Strong majorities (73%) across party lines oppose cuts to Medicaid, including 86% who identify as Democrats, 64% Republicans and 75% Independents, according to ACS CAN’s latest Survivor Views survey, which polls cancer patients and survivors across the country.
“Ensuring the maintenance and expansion of affordable, comprehensive health care coverage through Medicaid will continue to be a top priority for ACS CAN. We urge Congress to reject any proposals to use Medicaid as a piggy bank to pay for other programs and prioritize the health and safety of their constituents by ensuring that those eligible for this critical program, including cancer patients, survivors and their families, continue to have access without barriers.”