INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Today, the Indiana House passed out legislation that will add barriers to Indiana’s Medicaid program, including work requirements, adding layers of administrative red tape and burdensome eligibility checks. That’s not acceptable for the 42,150 Hoosiers who will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Allie Kast Gregg
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has been pleased with positive changes the House has made on Senate Bill 2 but is disappointed to see work reporting requirements remain in the bill.
“Thousands of Hoosiers have cancer and thousands more will be diagnosed this year. For many of them, Medicaid makes it possible to get the care they need to fight the disease. Medicaid covers cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, treatments, surgeries, prescription medications and follow-up care. Medicaid provides cancer patients with a much better chance of surviving the disease.
“We know that cancer patients in active treatment are often unable to work or require modifications in their employment due to their treatment. Between 40% and 85% of patients stop working, and their absences range from 45 days to six months. Many cancer survivors also continue to deal with chronic issues because of their treatments that impact their ability to work.
“Lawmakers should be passing legislation that will reduce cancer rates, not make it harder to access health care and fight cancer. ACS CAN calls on the conference committee members to reconsider work reporting requirements in Senate Bill 2 that would separate people from their lifesaving health insurance.”