Access to Health Care

Share

Photo of a Doctor visiting their patient in the hospital

Related Priorities

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.

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Access to Medicaid Expansion Key to South Dakota’s Fight Against Cancer

April 15, 2024
South Dakota

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 South Dakota families in the fight against cancer and how important it is to protect access to this lifesaving coverage by encouraging South Dakotans to vote no on Amendment F in November. The work-reporting requirements proposed in Amendment F will only block hard-working South Dakotans from accessing the health care needed to live happy, healthy lives.

Closing Wyoming’s Health Coverage Gap is Key to Changing Our Fight Against Cancer

April 15, 2024
Wyoming

To mark Medicaid Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is shining a bright light on what expanding eligibility for the state’s Medicaid program would mean for Wyoming families in the fight against cancer. Wyoming remains one of only 10 states without Medicaid expansion.

Cancer Groups Applaud New Protections for Virginians Facing Medical Debt

April 11, 2024
Virginia

Leading patient organizations, including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), applaud Virginia lawmakers for passing legislation to protect patients from the harmful effects of medical debt.

Senate Votes to Remove Barriers to Genetic Testing

April 11, 2024
Illinois

Cancer Advocates Urge the House to Follow the Senate’s Lead Ensuring Illinoisians Have Better Access to Genetic Testing.

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.