Every year, millions of Americans face the life-changing news of a cancer diagnosis. Beyond the battle for survival and recovery, there is another critical fight—the battle to ensure patients and their families have access to affordable care.

In this episode, we look at the intersection of health care policy and cancer care with Pam Traxel, Senior Vice President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). ACS CAN champions cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones by advocating for expanded access to health care, funding for cancer research, and policies that make lifesaving treatments more accessible.

The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) have proven to be critical tools, helping millions of Americans afford health insurance, including those grappling with the high costs of cancer treatment. With the threat of these credits expiring, the stakes for cancer patients and their loved ones couldn’t be higher. Pam breaks down the potential consequences of losing this critical lifeline and shares how ACS CAN is mobilizing to protect access to affordable health care for all.

Key Topics Covered:

• Role of ACS CAN in fighting for cancer patients and families;
• Potential expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and its devastating implications;
• Importance of health insurance in cancer diagnosis and survival rates; and,
• Data showing how EPTCs improve patient outcomes and protect access to care.

Studies mentioned in the episode:

Health insurance status and cancer stage at diagnosis and survival in the United States: https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.21732

How ACA Tax Credits Impact Patients With Chronic Conditions:
https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2024/sep/premium-tax-credit-ending-chronic-conditions-at-risk.html

Cancer Patients & Survivors Overwhelmingly Support Extending ACA Enhanced Tax Credits:
https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/cancer-patients-survivors-overwhelmingly-support-extending-aca-enhanced-tax-credits

Guest Bio:

Pam Traxel serves as the Senior Vice President for ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the America Cancer Society. Pam is responsible for helping ACS CAN develop relationships with companies and individuals to help further the fight against cancer through dynamic partnerships, events, and forums. Pam began her career with ACS CAN in 2007. She has been integrally involved in helping to establish ACS CAN as a nationwide advocacy organization that influences and shapes public policy at all levels of government to impact our mission and to represent the voices of all cancer patients and their families.