Maryland state lawmakers have released details on the agreed upon 2025-26 budget—the contents of which are a mixed bag in the fight against cancer. While the state made sound investments in cancer research and protected Medicaid recipients’ ability to access biomarker testing, it missed an opportunity to save the lives and lungs of Maryland’s youth by cutting funding for the state’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
To mark both the victories and missed opportunities, Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Maryland, responded with the following statement:
“With looming threats to cancer research funding in D.C. and so many lives hanging in the balance, it was heartening to see state lawmakers commit to protect the progress that cancer patients and their families rely on. Since the state started investing in cancer research over two and a half decades ago, allocating a small portion of the budget to advance the cutting-edge research being done at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University cancer centers, cancer deaths have steadily gone down. Upwards of 400,000 Marylanders would not have survived their diagnosis 25 years ago if not for the work of cancer researchers. ACS CAN applauds lawmakers for restoring funding for this critical work and prioritizing the good that these cancer centers and their research labs have long shepherded in our state.
“We’re thankful that lawmakers did not accept the recommendation to delay patients insured through Medicaid access to biomarker testing. Back in 2023, the General Assembly passed legislation to extend coverage for biomarker testing, connecting more patients to the game-changing resource that opens the door to precision medicine, improved health outcomes, reduced risk of death and better quality of life. The legislation took effect for Marylanders insured through a private plan back in 2024. The coverage will take effect for Medicaid recipients in July of 2025, as passed, after legislators rejected the recommendation to delay the effective date by two years, securing a win for patients across the state who stand to benefit from personalized health care.
“Missing from the budget is a recognition that the tobacco industry still maintains a firm grip on our youth and their futures. Big tobacco spends as much as $95.4 million per year in Maryland on marketing their deadly and addictive products, and lawmakers have proposed to cut a critical asset in counteracting such nefarious investments. The $5.7 million cut to Maryland’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs leaves our state without a key line of defense in the fight against cancer. With the landscape of tobacco use rapidly changing, it is more important than ever that we prioritize timely, evidence-based programs that evolve alongside the tobacco market and help adults quit smoking and prevent adolescents from starting in the first place.
“In slashing its budget, lawmakers neglected to realize this action will result in more kids beginning to use tobacco products. Limiting our investment in tobacco cessation and prevention programs will stunt the state’s ability to help residents quit smoking, increase health care costs related to tobacco use and further tobacco-related health disparities. Cancer survivors are disappointed to see a pillar of prevention disregarded and hopeful that lawmakers vote to restore funding next year.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.