JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – More than 75 cancer advocates, survivors and their families and caregivers from all over Missouri gathered at the Capitol Wednesday to meet with lawmakers and ask them to support policies that reduce the burden of cancer, including policies that help patients better afford their medications and making sure Missourians have access to affordable, comprehensive health care without barriers.
The visit is part of American Cancer Society annual Cancer Action Day, an event that brings volunteer advocates together to call on the legislature to make cancer policy a priority. This year, more than 39,220 Missourians will be diagnosed with cancer.
“Cancer patients don’t have the luxury of pausing their healthcare until they can more easily afford it. ACS CAN is working to ensure that these copay assistance programs actually benefit the patients they are intended to benefit by ensuring all payments made by patients—directly or on their behalf – are counted toward their overall out-of-pocket maximum payment or deductible,” said Emily Kalmer, Missouri government relations director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). ACS CAN is also focused on protecting access to health care for Missourians and making sure there aren’t barriers between Missourians and their health care.
“Access to affordable health insurance is a crucial predictor of whether someone survives cancer. People with health insurance are more likely to get preventive health care and cancer screenings. Cancers are more likely to be diagnosed in earlier stages, when they’re easier and cheaper to treat and odds for survival are greater,” said Kalmer.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital.