Statement by American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) President Daniel E. Smith
WASHINGTON, DC – November 20, 2009 – “The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges all Senators to vote in favor of allowing critical health care legislation introduced by Senator Harry Reid this week to be debated on the Senate floor. With thousands of cancer patients being denied coverage, charged excessive premiums, and facing exorbitant out of pocket costs, it is urgent that the Senate take action now, not later, to protect and extend health coverage to millions of Americans in need.
“As introduced, the bill contains long-needed and critical insurance reforms that will improve coverage for both the uninsured and the underinsured while enhancing the critical role of lifesaving prevention and early detection, and will improve the quality of life for people who develop serious medical conditions such as cancer.
"As the debate begins, we will work with Senators from both parties to further improve the legislation by making quality coverage even more affordable for low- and middle-income families, and by delivering on the promise of insurance reform that guarantees insurance without regard to pre-existing health conditions and ends arbitrary caps on benefits.
“Cancer patients and their families across the country are urging their Senators to allow the bill to be debated on the Senate floor. ACS CAN volunteers have made more than 85,000 calls to lawmakers since June, with nearly 2,000 calls a day expected into targeted Senate offices in coming weeks. In addition, ACS CAN volunteers across the country continue to hold rallies, vigils and other events to let their Members of Congress know how important health care reform is to families affected by cancer.
"This is an historic opportunity to help millions of cancer patients, survivors and their families avoid financial ruin from a cancer diagnosis. ACS CAN urges every Senator to vote to begin debate on this legislation, and to subsequently bring real health reform to the American people. It is important that the Senate complete work on this bill this year. A fundamental part of winning the war on cancer depends on ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable quality health insurance. ACS CAN urges action now, not later."
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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