WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a budget resolution that could lead to devastating cuts to Medicaid. Ahead of the vote, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is urging House members to oppose cuts to Medicaid. The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN:
“The time is now for Members of Congress to stand up for Medicaid, the lifesaving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million people nationwide. The budget resolution in its current form cannot be accomplished without significant cuts to Medicaid. These cuts would be detrimental to Medicaid and would likely result in a loss of services like prescription drugs for some, and coverage all together for others. This would be life-threatening for cancer patients and survivors and all those at risk of developing the disease. Research consistently shows that access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid increases cancer screenings rates, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improves access to timely cancer treatment and survival rates. Further, access to health insurance coverage is one of the most significant determining factors in an individual’s chance at surviving cancer. If Congress approves the budget in its current form, they would be ripping this chance of survival away from millions of people.
“One out of ten adults with a history of cancer relied on Medicaid for their health care in 2023, according to data analyzed by the American Cancer Society, underscoring the critical role Medicaid plays in helping cancer patients navigate their diagnosis and survive this disease. In addition, Medicaid protects individuals and families from devastating medical debt, helps keep rural hospital doors open, creates jobs in our communities, and helps our nation become healthier and more prosperous.
“ACS CAN opposes any cuts to Medicaid in any form. Medicaid health insurance is a lifeline for cancer patients and all those at risk of developing the disease. Time is running out for Congress to stop a budget proposal that would force deep and drastic cuts to Medicaid, whether it says it specifically in the bill language or not. For decades, ACS CAN has advocated for increased access to health insurance through Medicaid and will continue to push at the federal and state levels in support of expansion of the program and against policies that jeopardize individuals’ access to lifesaving health insurance coverage.”
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