Lives on the Line: Komen® Speaks Out Against Reconciliation Bill as Millions Stand to Lose Coverage

Breast cancer patients face devastating consequences for access to critical breast cancer care  

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, is deeply troubled by passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which implements damaging reforms to federal health insurance programs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these changes, combined with the failure to renew health care tax credits, could cause nearly 17 million people to lose their insurance coverage, increasing the U.S. uninsured rate by 30%. As a direct result of the actions of Congress, many breast cancer patients and survivors will lose their health care - shut out by unaffordable costs or trapped in bureaucratic red tape.

For breast cancer patients and survivors, insurance coverage through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces is not a luxury; it is a lifeline. In the U.S., more than 72 million people rely on Medicaid. In fact, 1 in 10 adults with a history of cancer utilize Medicaid for insurance coverage. Millions of others rely on plans offered through the ACA Marketplaces. This health coverage is essential to ensuring timely access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment — care that might otherwise be delayed until the disease is more advanced, outcomes are worse and is expensive to treat.

"The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes changes that raise serious concerns for the breast cancer community,” said Paula Schneider, Komen president and CEO. “Access to affordable, timely health care is critical — not only for those newly diagnosed, but also for those living with and beyond breast cancer. Policies that make it harder to secure coverage or navigate the system risk delaying care when every day counts. We urge our leaders to do better for the breast cancer community who depend on timely, affordable care."

The bill will implement harsh work reporting requirements that would restrict access to quality and affordable healthcare for millions of patients falling between the gaps. Even with exemptions for those with serious illnesses, it remains unclear whether breast cancer patients would be required to navigate through administrative red tape to demonstrate their qualification. These patients already face an incredible burden of navigating our health care system on top of their medical care. The last thing a person undergoing cancer treatment needs is more paperwork, deadlines, and red tape every six months.

Additional policies included in the bill make several harmful changes to ACA Marketplace plans which erodes coverage for millions of Americans, including breast cancer patients and survivors.

These damaging policies come at a time when access to care is at its most vulnerable. Proposals to eliminate funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program —a vital state-federal partnership which aims to increase early detection among women with low-incomes — combined with Congress’ failure thus far to renew important health care tax credits would leave countless with nowhere to turn. Now that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has passed, Congress must prioritize renewing the health care tax credits that help millions access coverage and fight against proposals to implement draconian cuts to NBCCEDP that further erode public health infrastructure.

Komen urges Congress to do better for the breast cancer community and will continue to pursue policies that reverse or mitigate the damage done to patients through this legislation.

About Susan G. Komen^®

Susan G. Komen^® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.