Update from the Cancer Policy Institute

This afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that there will not be a vote on the Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson legislation before the reconciliation period ends this week. This is a huge victory for cancer advocates across the country as it effectively stops any possibility of passage for this bill. At the end of the reconciliation period, the Senate will return to regular order and will need to secure 60 votes for passage, rather than the 50 they've been seeking under this process. This bill would have completely cut funding for ACA tax credits, Medicaid Expansion, and cost sharing payments. It would also have allowed states to waive coverage of essential health benefits and protections for pre-existing conditions. Thank you once again for your calls, letters, tweets, and posts to Facebook about this devastating legislation. You were among millions of Americans who spoke up to defend your right to quality, accessible, and affordable health care. Your advocacy truly makes a difference, and it's thank to advocates like you that Senators were unable to get the necessary support for this bill. Now it's time for Members of Congress to turn their attention instead towards stabilizing our health insurance markets, to ensure that Americans continue to have affordable insurance options, and reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program so that children in need have access to vital care. Keep holding your members accountable, and reminding them that Americans deserve quality, accessible, and affordable care! Sincerely, Elizabeth Franklin ​Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy ​Cancer Support Community