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.

Take Action

Cancer Patient in Treatment
National

Tell Congress To Pass The DIVERSE Trials Act To Expand Access To Clinical Trials And The Latest Advancements In Treatment

The DIVERSE Trials Act would make it easier for cancer patients everywhere to participate in clinical trials while removing barriers that are known to keep certain racial and ethnic groups, older adults, rural residents, and those with limited incomes from being appropriately represented. 

Take Action

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Cancer Patients and Survivors Cheer Final Passage of Inflation Reduction Act

August 12, 2022
National

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes several provisions that will reduce the costs of health care for millions of cancer patients and survivors.

Congress Passes a Bill to Make Health Care More Affordable for Millions of Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Their Loved Ones

August 10, 2022
National

ACS CAN volunteers sent tens of thousands of messages to members of Congress, posted to social media, and made phone calls--and it made a difference. Thank you for your hard work to make this happen! We applaud Congress for taking this important step to address affordability in Medicare and ACS

Senate Passes Legislation to Make Health Care More Affordable for Millions of Cancer Patients and Survivors

August 7, 2022
National

Today the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes several provisions that will reduce the costs of health care for millions of cancer patients and survivors.

Reconciliation Package Improves Health Care Affordability for Cancer Patients

July 28, 2022

Congress reached a significant budget deal that includes key provisions that will improve affordability of health care coverage for many cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.

Access to Health Care Resources

Cancer Biomarker Testing

July 22, 2020

Advances in precision medicine have led to targeted cancer therapies that have improved patient outcomes and quality of life within populations of cancer patients with very specific biomarkers. Testing patients for cancer biomarkers is integral to identify those who may benefit from targeted therapy. Despite the importance of such testing, many cancer patients are not tested for biomarkers. This fact sheet highlights recent advancements in targeted cancer therapies and data from ACS CAN Survivor Views surveys of cancer patients and survivors assessing barriers to biomarker testing.  

Patient Assistance Programs & Discount Coupons

May 28, 2020

Many cancer patients have difficulty affording the cost of their prescription drugs, regardless of whether they are insured.  This is especially true for newer drugs that do not have a generic equivalent.  Many programs exist to help patients afford their medication.  This fact sheet focuses on two of these – patient assistance programs and discount coupons.  

Joint Letter to Congress on Patient Coverage Priorities in COVID Relief Packages

April 15, 2020

ACS CAN joined 50 groups representing, cancer patients, survivors, doctors, nurses, cancer centers, pharmacists and researchers urging Congress to address barriers to patient access to care and coverage.