​Majority of cancer patients and survivors less likely to get recommended screenings if ACA coverage mandate is repealed.

Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released a new Survivor Views survey that shows a majority (58%) of cancer patients and survivors feel they would be less likely to remain current with their recommended preventive care services, including recommended cancer screenings, if it came with a cost.

If an Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision requiring full coverage of preventive care services was repealed, over half (53%) of those surveyed quantified the cost that would present a barrier to accessing preventive services at less than $200, with more than a quarter (28%) marking their threshold at $100. Patients in lower income brackets would be even less likely to maintain their preventive care, including nearly three-quarters (72%) of the lowest income bracket surveyed, those who earn under $35,000 in annual household income.

The data from May’s Survivor Views was collected between April 2 and April 20, 2023. A total of 1,311 cohort participants responded to the survey.

“Thanks to a provision in the ACA that requires evidence-based prevention and early detection at no cost to patients with private insurance, we’ve seen improved access to recommended services that detect disease when it is less costly to treat and chances of survival are greater,” noted ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse. “The survey findings confirm that if cost becomes a barrier, even motivated patients who have a history of cancer could delay or at worse forego potentially lifesaving early detection and prevention.”

A March ruling in the case of Braidwood v. Becerra by the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas threatens to restrict access to preventive screenings and services that are proven to save lives by invalidating the ACA provision that requires insurers to cover preventive services at no cost to patients.

ACS CAN, who played a key role in advocating to ensure the inclusion of this provision in the ACA, criticized the ruling and is leading advocacy efforts to protect the provision. Most recently, ACS CAN, along with other leading patient groups, filed an amicus brief, also known as a friend of the court brief, late last month supporting the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s motion asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to stay the District Court’s judgement.

“Evidence continues to show just how critical a role cost plays in cancer survivorship; it may be the difference between someone being able to receive their recommended, annual screening to detect cancer early or having to forgo accessing the lifesaving treatments they need,” added Lacasse. “We’re committed to using our voice to ensure that no-cost preventive services as required under the ACA remains protected, access to preventive care remains unchanged and we can continue to save lives more lives from cancer.”

In addition to coverage for preventive services, respondents were asked about their experience and perspectives on patient navigation which were previewed at ACS CAN’s National Forum on the Future of Health Care yesterday in Washington, D.C. Nearly all (91%) respondents agreed it is important for cancer patients to have access to a patient navigator during their treatment, with an overwhelming majority (75%) noting it is very important.

The survey also found that while most reported positive experiences accessing their provider network, over a quarter (30%) reported facing a challenge in finding a provider. The most significant challenges include limited provider choice and having to switch providers during treatment due to changes in coverage, causing loss of continuity of care.

Read the full polling memo here. 

Through ACS CAN’s Survivor Views initiative, ACS CAN receives direct feedback from cancer patients and survivors about their experiences and their perspectives on critical cancer-related issues. This information helps shape the development of policy positions and provides important evidence to support the enactment of these policies.

For more information on Survivor Views, visit ACS CAN’s website at www.fightcancer.org/survivor-views.