WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes several provisions that will reduce the costs of health care for millions of cancer patients and survivors.
A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“The final passage of the Inflation Reduction Act marks one of the most significant extensions of affordable health coverage to millions of Americans, including cancer patients, survivors, and their families, in more than a decade.
“For those Medicare enrollees who rely on Part D coverage to get their prescription medications, knowing there is a cap on their out-of-pocket costs and that those costs can spread out throughout the year will provide peace of mind and clarity when trying to plan and manage finances, especially on a fixed income.
“Similarly, extending the expanded tax credits available to purchase comprehensive health care through the Marketplace for three years is essential to keeping people insured and providing a means for the uninsured to finally afford coverage. Evidence has shown repeatedly that health insurance status directly affects a person’s ability to detect, treat and survive cancer, which is why it is so critically important that Congress and state legislatures swiftly turn their attention to closing the Medicaid coverage gap.
“For the 2 million people who remain uninsured in the dozen states that have not expanded access to Medicaid—the majority of whom are people of color— lack of access to meaningful, affordable coverage could be the difference between life and death. The coverage gap is resulting in a tradeoff of having access to a timely doctor recommended cancer screening and early disease detection or going without and discovering cancer when it is advanced and much harder to treat. Too many people are forgoing necessary care for this gap to remain unaddressed. Where someone lives should not determine if they live, which is why ACS CAN will continue to work tirelessly to expand Medicaid in these states, including our current campaign efforts in North Carolina and South Dakota.
“We thank the House for the quick action in support of the Inflation Reduction Act and the bill’s important health provisions. We eagerly await the president’s signature of this landmark legislation and look forward to continuing to find ways to expand access to affordable health coverage nationwide.”