ACS CAN Comments on Association Health Plan proposed rule

More than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and more than 18 million Americans living today have a history of cancer. Having comprehensive and affordable health insurance coverage is a key determinant for surviving cancer. Research from the American Cancer Society shows that uninsured Americans are less likely to get screened for cancer and thus are more likely to have their cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage when survival is less likely and the cost of care more expensive.

ACS CAN has opposed previous federal initiatives to encourage the growth of AHPs because these plans do not provide comprehensive coverage, could damage the non-AHP individual and small group markets, and inadequately address issues of plan solvency and regulatory oversight, especially in light of the long record of AHP fraud and solvency problems.