HEALTH CARE REFORM BLOG
Posted by Kathi Hansen on Thursday, July 15. 2010  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

I was so excited and honored to be included in the event yesterday at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. to highlight the aspects of the Affordable Care Act that will improve access to prevention services.  On a personal level, to be able to meet First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden was a thrill.  The few moments they spoke with my husband Kevin and me will be cherished memories.  I was so impressed with their warmth and graciousness.

As a cancer survivor, I felt privileged to be present as the Affordable Care Act regulations related to prevention and screening were promoted by HHS Secretary Sebelius, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden.  I know first-hand what a difference regular cancer screenings make in finding cancer when it is relatively early and easier to treat effectively.  I applaud the provisions that remove barriers to cancer screenings and other preventive services. 

Posted by Amy Wilhite on Wednesday, June 23. 2010  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

Yesterday, my 12-year-old daughter, Taylor, and I had an amazing experience. We were able to meet and speak directly to President Obama. We were able to thank him for his relentless efforts to pass health care reform for families like ours who faced holes in the broken health care system. It is so rewarding to know that just over a year ago, we were here with other cancer patients and survivors, ACS CAN volunteers all, lobbying on Capitol Hill for this law and now it is a reality. A huge weight has been lifted from our family, knowing insurance companies can't impose lifetime limits on benefits anymore. We are an extremely blessed family and happy that our story could help make a difference in the lives of others. Yesterday was a day we will never forget. Going to the White House, meeting and introducing the President and celebrating with our friends at ACS CAN made this an extraordinary day. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen. Taylor can not stop smiling and isn't going to let her autograph from President Obama leave her sight. Blessings to all and remember Taylor's motto...."You can get through anything." Check out the White House Blog, that features a picture of Taylor...documenting the event. White House blog

Posted by ACS CAN on Monday, June 21. 2010  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

On June 10, the President issued an executive order for the establishment of the National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council. The Council was created under the Affordable Care Act, and is intended to integrate the prevention efforts of many federal government agencies for more effective policies and reach.

The fact is prevention saves lives. We know that 60 percent of annual U.S. cancer deaths could be prevented if all Americans stopped smoking, got cancer screenings, ate healthy and exercised. The Affordable Care Act will help bring us closer to that reality. Dr. Seffrin, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, teamed up with Larry Hausner, CEO of the American Diabetes Association, and Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, to comment on this critical transformation in our health system in an op-ed featured in Politico.  

 

Posted by Audrey P. on Tuesday, February 23. 2010  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

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Posted by Audrey P. on Monday, December 14. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

On Friday, ACS CAN let its voice be heard raising the issue of an alarming loophole included in the Senate version of the health care reform legislation. Specific language would limit annual caps on benefits for patients of chronic disease such as cancer who are struggling with the high cost of care. This dangerous loophole could subject cancer patients to abrupt termination of care.

And on Friday, the White House and Congress listened.

The issue captured headlines in serveral high-profile national media outlets including:

Associated Press - White House to help close health bill loophole
CNN - White House working to close benefit caps loophole
New York Times - Cancer Society Protests Senate’s Proposed Cap on Benefits
MSNBC - Countdown with Keith Oberman

ACS CAN has influence the ongoing debate and will continue to work with Senators from both sides of the aisle to pass a final bill that meets the needs of cancer patients and other people with life-threatening chronic disease.

 

Posted by Audrey P. on Friday, December 4. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

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Posted by ACS CAN on Monday, November 9. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

If you were flipping the channels on Saturday night and accidentally passed by C-Span, you missed an important vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.  At 10:57 p.m. EST, the House passed health care reform with 220 votes, including one Republican.

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Posted by Audrey P. on Friday, November 6. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

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Posted by Audrey P. on Thursday, November 5. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

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Posted by ACS CAN on Tuesday, November 3. 2009  | ADD COMMENTS  |  Share

Dr. John Seffrin (CEO of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) recently submitted his thoughts on the health care reform debate to Politico, citing a need to "focus on patients," not politics.  Read the full article here.

 

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