Statement by Ethan Hasbrouck, New Jersey Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
Trenton, NJ - February 26, 2013 - "Governor Christie's decision to participate in Medicaid expansion is an example of bold leadership in the fight against cancer. His proposal, if enacted, has the potential to eliminate barriers to proper diagnosis, treatment and care for those with cancer - a disease that claims the lives of more than 16,410 New Jerseyans annually."
"The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the Governor's choice to leverage federal dollars to broaden access to health coverage through Medicaid for low-income individuals and families. Improving access to Medicaid coverage in New Jersey will save lives and reduce health care costs.
"Increasing access to the Medicaid program would provide lifesaving coverage to more than 233,000 currently uninsured New Jersey residents. Thousands of families across the state will be able can see a doctor regularly, and receive screening tests such as pap smears and mammograms -- enhancing the likelihood of detecting diseases, such as cancer, at an earlier, more curable stage.
"We urge the legislature to move forward with implementation so that NJ families will have the security of knowing that they have access to proven cancer screenings and treatments they could otherwise not afford."
In 2013, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 580,000 people will die from the disease. In New Jersey this year, an estimated 49,440 people will be diagnosed with cancer.
The Governor's decision is consistent with public sentiment on the issue. Recent polling by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, showed that a strong majority of registered voters in New Jersey (70%) support the state accepting federal dollars to cover more people while only 21% prefer turning down federal funds and leaving vulnerable populations uninsured.
The poll, conducted by a bipartisan pair of polling firms, Lake Research Partners and GS Strategy Group, indicates public support for New Jersey to make health coverage under Medicaid available to individuals and families up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, as urged by the Affordable Care Act.
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.