Cancer Action Network: Missouri Supreme Court Ruling Upholds Critical Access to Health Insurance

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 23 (TNSPol) -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network issued the following news release on July 22, 2021:

"Today, the Missouri Supreme court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to force the state to implement Medicaid expansion. This action means that the state is required to allow eligible Missourians to access the Medicaid healthcare coverage voters approved last August. This ruling is a victory in the fight against cancer in Missouri. We know individuals without health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at later, more costly stages and are less likely to survive.

"By increasing access to Medicaid, Missouri can help ensure more individuals who currently lack affordable, comprehensive health insurance can gain coverage through Medicaid and access the care they need. For cancer patients, this can mean the difference between life and death.

"The voter approved Medicaid expansion was supposed to be implemented July 1, 2021. ACS CAN urges officials to take swift action to implement expansion and reduce further delays in care for eligible Missourians. Cancer patients in our state can't wait any longer for health coverage through Medicaid.

"Increased eligibility for Medicaid increases access to vital health care services, significantly reduces health and cancer disparities, and improves survivorship for cancer. This year alone, 37,390 will hear the words "you have cancer" and 12,960 Missourians will pass away from cancer. None of them should suffer a day without the healthcare they need."