National Cancer Survivors Day Reminds Michiganders Of The Value Of Accessible Health Care

MACOMB, Michigan— Ahead of this year’sNational Cancer Survivors Day, we celebrate Michiganders and Americans nationwide for their strength in fighting back against cancer and for the progress that has been made in finding a cure for this disease. Survivors often find themselves fighting for their lives and for their healthcare coverage, so they deserve a voice that will protect them and their benefits. 

Currently, Michigan cancer rates are trending in the right direction. Mortality rates are down, and the number of individuals with cancer is below the national average. Additionally, since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, federal protections have ensured that patients, even those with pre-existing conditions, have access to quality healthcare coverage. Unfortunately, a recent House Republican Study Committee has proposed a budget that would threaten these protections. 

The Republican Study Committee, of which Rep. John James is a member, proposed rolling back subsidies and regulations that extend coverage. Additionally, the proposal would take away Medicare’s power to negotiate lower drug prices, repeal the $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees, and leave millions of people, including children, families and seniors, uninsured and with severely reduced access to health care and long-term services. Rep. John James should know that Michiganders and cancer survivors need their health care. 

Susan, Macomb County Cancer Survivor 

“Our politicians need to know that access to good health care is vital for their constituents. As a person affected by breast cancer, I was forced to pay for my cancer surgery with a credit card. I do not wish that on anyone. Rep. John James cannot force millions of Americans to become uninsured with his committee’s proposed budget. Michiganders cannot afford House Republicans’ plan for our health care needs.”