Remove Hurdles to Cancer Care

Share

female cancer patient

Access to Health Care

COVID-19 has shone a spotlight on the significant barriers to affordable health care that cancer patients have long faced. While relief packages and proposals to date have worked to address affordability of COVID-specific testing and treatment, policymakers must also tackle hurdles that cancer patients face like removing the red tape of prior authorization and step therapy, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and ensuring cost-sharing assistance directly benefits patients. There has been a great deal of research and investment in effective therapies that allow people fighting cancer to survive and live longer. Cancer patients need Congress to act quickly to remove hurdles to quality care.

56% of cancer patients and survivors are worried about being able to afford their treatment

Latest Updates

See More Updates

Unlocking Cures: ACS CAN Highlights the Need for Diversity in Clinical Trials

July 27, 2022

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is featured in the Urban One 2022 Engaging Black America Special Supplement issued today – and, as always, we are highlighting yet another critical issue that has lifesaving implications for Americans all across the country.

Survey: More than 80 Percent of Cancer Patients and Survivors Say Copay Assistance Programs Help Them Afford Their Prescription Drugs

July 26, 2022
Ohio

A new Survivor Views survey from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network shows that while copay assistance programs can help cancer patients afford the medications they need, some aren’t able to apply them to their health insurance deductible or other out-of-pocket requirements, which can create a barrier to care.

Survey: More than 80 Percent of Cancer Patients and Survivors Say Copay Assistance Programs Help Them Afford Their Prescription Drugs

July 20, 2022
Pennsylvania

Findings Highlight Need for Pennsylvania Legislature to Pass Copay Accumulator Reform Bill to Make It Easier for Pennsylvanians to Pay for Medically Necessary Medications

Survey: More than 80 Percent of Cancer Patients and Survivors Say Copay Assistance Programs Help Them Afford Their Prescription Drugs

July 19, 2022
New York

Albany, NY – A new Survivor Views survey from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows that while copay assistance programs can help cancer patients afford the medications they need, some aren’t able to apply them to their health insurance deductible or other out-of-pocket requirements,

Remove Hurdles to Cancer Care Resources

High Deductible Health Plans Cause Extreme Spikes in Cost

November 3, 2020

Most patients experience spikes in their health care costs around the time of a cancer diagnosis as they pay their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. For patients on high deductible plans, this spike can mean bills due for several thousands of dollars within one month.

Overall Cancer Costs are Rising

November 3, 2020

The U.S. spent approximately $183 billion on cancer-related health care in 2015. This represents a signification portion of the total health care spending in the U.S. And it is expected to keep growing. By 2030 cancer-related health care spending is expected to reach nearly $246 billion.

Some Patients Lack Access to Lower-cost Drug Alternatives

November 3, 2020

Many cancer patients take multiple drugs as part of their treatment – often for many months or years. While drugs are not the only costly part of cancer treatment, finding ways to reduce these costs for patients and payers will significantly reduce the overall cost burden of cancer.