Increased Access to Medicaid

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Access to Health Care

Where you live should not determine whether you live. But, for millions of low-income Americans, the state they live in could determine if they have access to health services, including cancer care. To date, 40 states and the District of Columbia have increased access to their Medicaid programs, providing over 21 million individuals and families access to health care coverage and to lifesaving tests like mammograms, colonoscopies and other cancer screenings.

We are working in the remaining 10 states to reach the day when everyone has access to affordable health care. Going to the doctor is much cheaper than going to the emergency room. And, for a family, preventing cancer is much less expensive than treating it. 

We know how to save lives from cancer.  And we know how to save money on health care costs. Ensuring that low-income working families have access to affordable health insurance – especially during tough times – is an important first step.  

  

40 states have increased access to health care through Medicaid, helping provide twelve million Americans with access to lifesaving cancer care.

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National

Medicaid is Under Attack.

Some members of Congress have recommended cuts to Medicaid. Cancer patients can't afford these cuts. Contact your Member of Congress today and urge them to reject Medicaid cuts.

Contact your Member of Congress today

Latest Updates

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House Budget Cuts Would Deal Devastating Blow to Cancer Patients and Their Families

February 13, 2025
National

Today, the House Budget Committee began to mark up their budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2025.

Cancer Advocates Call for Quick Defeat of House Bill 138, Latest Medicaid Expansion Repeal Attempt

February 11, 2025
Idaho

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho House Bill 138 would effectively repeal Medicaid expansion, which would put nearly 85,000 state residents at risk of losing their health care coverage, including cancer patients who rely on Medicaid for life-saving treatment. A similar bill introduced last year was met with aggressive opposition from more

House Takes Big Step in Right Direction for Montana’s Health and Business Community

February 10, 2025
Montana

HELENA, Montana – House Bill 245 was approved today by the Montana House of Representatives, a crucial and promising step for legislation that will remove the sunset clause on Montana Medicaid expansion, assuring that tens of thousands state residents continue to have access to life-saving health care. “This is obviously

Patient Groups in Wisconsin Urge Passage of Senate Bill 23 to Extend Health Care Coverage for New Moms

February 6, 2025
Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis . – Just one month into the legislative session, patients from across Wisconsin, as well as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and the American Lung Association– two of Wisconsin’s leading patient advocacy organizations – are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to advance legislation that would extend

Increased Access to Medicaid Resources

Medicaid Cuts Put People with Cancer at Risk

February 17, 2025

In 2023 10% of adults with a history of cancer in the U.S. relied on Medicaid for their health care. Access to affordable health insurance is crucial for individuals to receive necessary care, especially for those with chronic conditions like cancer. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network opposes cuts to the Medicaid program, as these cuts will make it harder for many people to receive preventive services and cancer screenings, cancer treatments and health care in survivorship.

Medicaid Funding Caps are a Barrier to Care for Cancer Patients & Survivors

February 13, 2025

ACS CAN opposes per capita caps, block grants, and other capped funding structures for the Medicaid program, as they endanger access to care.

Medicaid Work Requirements Jeopardize Cancer Patients & Survivors

February 13, 2025

ACS CAN opposes any attempts to condition Medicaid enrollment on work or reporting of work.