Washington – Open Enrollment for most of the Health Insurance Marketplaces began Saturday, November 1, and because Congress still has not extended the enhanced premium tax credits, tens of millions of people, including cancer patients and survivors, are facing significant premium increases.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has long advocated for Congress to extend the enhanced health care tax credits, which help make comprehensive health insurance more affordable for 24 million people who buy coverage through the Marketplace. If Congress allows the enhanced tax credits to expire, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects that 4.2 million people will become uninsured.

Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN, released the following statement:

“Nearly everyone with Marketplace coverage will face a significant increase in their costs for next year, but those who currently rely on the enhanced premium tax credits will see massive spikes without action from Congress. These increases will put quality, affordable coverage out of reach for millions, including cancer patients and survivors. For cancer patients in active treatment, this is life-threatening.

“Research clearly shows that having health insurance is one of the most significant factors in surviving a cancer diagnosis. Without access to the care needed to get well and stay well, people will live sicker and die sooner.

“Congress still has a chance to make this right and find a pathway to extend the tax credits before it’s too late. Many of their constituents’ lives depend on it.”

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. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.