AUGUSTA - Yesterday, Maine voters cast their ballots in support of Question 2, which moves to increase access to health care for low-income state residents. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the passage of this initiative.
The following statement can be attributed to Hilary Schneider, director of government relations for ACS CAN in Maine:
“Passage of Question 2 is a move in the right direction and will provide a lifeline to thousands of hard working, low income Mainers who need access to affordable healthcare.
The fact is, men and women who lack health insurance are less likely to see a doctor, get recommended cancer screenings, and are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages – when it’s more costly and difficult to treat – and with poorer outcomes. By increasing access to care, as Question 2 allows, we are helping to ensure better health outcomes and a healthier, thriving state population in the future.
As a patient advocacy group, ACS CAN is committed to seeing through the full implementation of this vote. We will continue to serve as a voice for cancer patients, and those who may become diagnosed with cancer, by working with lawmakers to ensure the end goal of a “yes” vote on Question 2 is fully realized.”
About ACS CAN
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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