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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Survey Finds Majority of Cancer Patients and Survivors Have or Expect to Incur Medical Debt

May 9, 2024
National

Nearly half (49%) of cancer patients and survivors report being burdened by medical debt alongside some (13%) who report expecting to incur medical debt as part of their treatment plan, according to a new Survivor Views survey by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Cancer Advocates Hold Cancer Action Day at Capitol, Urging Lawmakers to Improve Access to Lung Cancer Screening & Paid Medical Leave, Ensure Privacy around Genetic Testing

May 7, 2024
New York

Cancer patients, their families and patient advocates from across the state have come together at the State Capitol in Albany today to advocate for several legislative proposals that aim to address the needs of patients across the cancer continuum. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day.

Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change

May 7, 2024
Illinois

Illinois Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change

May 7, 2024
Ohio

Cancer Advocates and Cyclists Gathered at the Statehouse Today to Say Ohio Can and Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

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.