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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Budget Cuts & Missed Opportunities Define New York Budget

April 22, 2024
New York

This week, state leaders approved the state budget for FY 2024-25. In response, Michael Davoli, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York Senior Government Relations Director, released the following statement:

Recortes presupuestarios y oportunidades perdidas definen el presupuesto de Nueva York

April 22, 2024
New York

Esta semana, los líderes estatales aprobaron el presupuesto estatal para el año fiscal 2024-25. En respuesta, Michael Davoli, director de relaciones gubernamentales sénior de la Red de Acción contra el Cáncer de la Sociedad Americana contra el Cáncer (ACS CAN por sus siglas en inglés) de Nueva York, emitió la siguiente declaración.

Cancer Advocacy Group Backs State Legislation Enhancing Diversity in Clinical Trials

April 19, 2024
Illinois

Cancer Advocates Urge the Senate to Follow the House’s Lead Ensuring More Diversity in Clinical Trials.

Medicaid Expansion Pivotal to Montana’s Fight Against Cancer; Residents Should Check Their Coverage Status Following Unwinding

April 18, 2024
Montana

To mark Medicaid Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is shining a bright light on what Medicaid expansion means for Montana families in the fight against cancer. Residents should check their status following the completion of the unwinding, as 1 in 10 were removed from coverage, many for procedural reasons and who might still be eligible.

Access to Health Care Resources

Addressing Cancer Disparities in LGBTQ+ Communities

March 20, 2024

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

Survivor Views: Preventive Care Coverage, Medical Debt, & Food Insecurity

February 14, 2024

Our latest survey finds that protecting no-cost screenings and preventive care and reducing the burden of medical debt are the most impotant priorities for cancer patients and survivors. This survey also explores the impacts of cancer on food and nutrition insecurity, with impacts felt across income groups and coverage levels.

Factors Influencing Cancer Disparities

January 11, 2024

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. No one should be disadvantaged in their fight against cancer because of income, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or where they live. From preventive screening and early detection, through diagnosis and treatment, and into survivorship, there are several factors that influence cancer disparities among different populations across the cancer continuum.