CONCORD – April 3, 2023 – Tomorrow, the House Health and Human Services Committee will host a public hearing on SB 263, reauthorizing the Granite Advantage Health Care Program.
The following statement can be attributed to Dr. Patricia Edwards, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician from Bow and volunteer advocate with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“For a pediatrician it is very hard hearing that one of our young patients' parents has cancer, knowing how a parent having cancer greatly impacts the whole family unit, including their children. Fortunately, there are ways to make certain that parents who receive this diagnosis have a better chance of positive outcome and their families aren’t staring down huge medical bills: having access to healthcare, including through Medicaid expansion.
“Our progress in the fight against cancer rests heavily on ensuring all Granite Staters have access to affordable health coverage. Reauthorizing Medicaid Expansion is a proven way to get to the heart of addressing cancer’s burden in New Hampshire by providing hardworking families and rural residents with a path to adequate, affordable care.
“I hope lawmakers will think about the 10,000 people in our state who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and work to ensure more Granite Staters can get the healthcare they need. A vote in support of SB 263 would do that that.”
Studies show that that access to affordable health coverage for more adults with lower incomes promotes earlier cancer detection, fewer deaths and improved outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer, going beyond screening and early detection through treatment and survivorship care.
Last month, cancer patients and survivors from around New Hampshire convened at the State House to share their stories and urge lawmakers to support SB 263. Photos and video from that event can be found here.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.