Cancer Action Network: Missouri Supreme Court Overturns Circuit Court Ruling on Medicaid Expansion

WASHINGTON, July 23 (TNSPol) -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network issued the following statement:

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The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to force the state to implement Medicaid expansion. The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

"This ruling affirms Missouri cannot continue to ignore the will of the people and refuse to implement a program that will save lives in Missouri. Missourians prioritized public health at the polls in 2020 and voted for increased access to Medicaid to allow more than 275,000 Missourians to gain the comprehensive health insurance coverage the program provides.

"Research shows increasing access to insurance through Medicaid improves cancer outcomes. Extending access to this program also reduces health disparities and strengthens state economies.

"Because of today's ruling, Missouri must move forward with urgency to ensure more individuals have access to quality, affordable coverage and are able to get the health care services they need to survive and thrive without any further delays.

"ACS CAN will continue to work in Missouri to ensure Medicaid expansion is quickly implemented and in the 12 other states that continue to deny their residents who remain in the coverage gap access to this lifesaving program."