Remove Hurdles to Cancer Care

Share

COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on the significant barriers to affordable health care that cancer patients have long faced. While relief packages and proposals to date have worked to address affordability of COVID-specific testing and treatment, policymakers must also tackle hurdles that cancer patients face like removing the red tape of prior authorization and step therapy, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and ensuring cost-sharing assistance directly benefits patients. There has been a great deal of research and investment in effective therapies that allow people fighting cancer to survive and live longer. Cancer patients need Congress to act quickly to remove hurdles to quality care.

56% of cancer patients and survivors are worried about being able to afford their treatment

Latest Updates

March 6, 2025
New Hampshire

Lawmakers asked to reduce barriers to care and reduce prescription related costs

March 4, 2025
North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. –– North Dakota legislators have strong momentum against cancer heading into the second half of the session as bills on prior authorization reform, supplemental breast cancer detection screenings and co-pay accumulator adjustments are progressing. Advocates of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network are grateful for the progress

February 25, 2025
North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. –– House Bill 1283 cleared the chamber today in a 66-26 vote, putting North Dakotans one step closer to the peace of mind they need when it comes to breast cancer diagnostics. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. “North Dakota patients should not face

February 25, 2025
National

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider a budget resolution that could lead to devastating cuts to Medicaid. Ahead of the vote, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is urging House members to oppose cuts to Medicaid.

Remove Hurdles to Cancer Care Resources

Our latest Survivor Views survey finds that across party lines cancer patients and survivors oppose reducing funding for Medicaid (73%), and fewer than one-in-five support adding a work requirement for Medicaid (19%). The survey also finds overwhelming support for protecting coverage for those with preexisting conditions (81%), and explores questions related to allowing non-ACA plans in the marketplace, which a majority (65%) feel would be confusing.

Medical debt impacts many people with cancer, their caregivers and their families. This factsheet details this impact and explores policy solutions to prevent medical debt and minimize its impact on health, quality of life and financial health.

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