Access to Health Care

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Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care. From cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies to the latest breakthroughs in treatment, everyone should have access to the care that could prevent cancer and save their life.  In addition, ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance is proven to reduce overall health care costs. 

We are working in every state and in Congress to expand health care options and protect existing laws that help patients get true access to the care they need. 

People without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when the disease is harder to treat, more costly and more difficult to survive.

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Patient receiving cancer treatment
National

Congress: Increase patient access to the latest advancements in cancer care

By passing the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, Congress can remove barriers to clinical trial participation and ensure more cancer patients have access to the latest scientific advancements and cutting-edge treatments. 

Send a message to Congress today!

Latest Updates

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Supreme Court Decision to Overturn ‘Chevron Deference’ Threatens to Disrupt Public Healthcare System

June 28, 2024

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced its decision on the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo case and its companion case, Relentless v. Dept. of Commerce. The majority’s opinion abolishes the rule of Chevron deference. In response to the court’s decision, the following statement was

Patient Groups Applaud Fifth Circuit Decision Protecting Access to No-Cost Preventive Services in Braidwood Management v. Becerra

June 21, 2024
National

Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit partially reversed a district court decision that had invalidated key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the case of Braidwood v. Becerra , finding cost-free preventive services could remain in place...

Alaska Legislature Made Strides Against Cancer in 2024 Session

June 17, 2024
Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska -- The passage of two bills late in the 2024 legislative session marks a significant step forward in easing the cancer burden in Alaska. Senate Bill 91 expanded access to telehealth services for those dealing with life-threatening conditions and diseases, like cancer. Senate Bill 134, meanwhile, eliminated costs

N.J. Assembly Financial Institutions & Insurance Votes to Approve Legislation Aimed at Alleviating Medical Debt

June 13, 2024
New Jersey

Earlier today, the New Jersey State Assembly Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee voted to move the Louisa Carmen Medical Debt Relief Act forward. A3861, sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, will now head to the Assembly floor for further consideration.

Access to Health Care Resources

Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQ+ Communities

March 20, 2024

A critical factor for eliminating disparities and ensuring health equity is the guarantee that all people have access to quality, affordable health care.

Survivor Views: Preventive Care Coverage, Medical Debt, & Food Insecurity

February 14, 2024

Our latest survey finds that protecting no-cost screenings and preventive care and reducing the burden of medical debt are the most impotant priorities for cancer patients and survivors. This survey also explores the impacts of cancer on food and nutrition insecurity, with impacts felt across income groups and coverage levels.

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

January 11, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.