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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Final State Budget Sustains Support to Reduce Burden of Disease, Yet More Work to Be Done

July 15, 2024
Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Legislature passed and Governor Shapiro certified the 2024-25 budget—the contents of which reflect a step in the right direction in the effort to end cancer as we know it for everyone.

ACS CAN Applauds State Leaders for Commitment to Alleviate Medical Debt in North Carolina

July 1, 2024
North Carolina

Earlier today, Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state plans to relieve as much as $4 billion in medical debt for an estimated two million North Carolinians. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) joins patient advocates and public health organizations across the state in applauding this investment in North Carolina, its people and their health.

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...

Access to Health Care Resources

ACS and ACS CAN Letter to CMS on Rx Negotiation List

September 14, 2023

ACS and ACS CAN provided comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the list of Part D drugs selected for the price negotiation program authorized under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Survivor Views: Discrimination Among LGBTQ+ Cancer Patients

June 26, 2023

Half of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) cancer patients and survivors report they are concerned about facing discrimination in a health care setting. More than one-third have experienced discrimination in a healthcare setting, with significant impacts on their care.

Statement for the Record – House E&C Health Subcommittee Hearing on Rx Drug Shortages

June 13, 2023

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) provided the following statement for the record at the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on Legislative Solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for all Hazards and Public Health Security Threats on June 13, 2023.