Federal Government Reopens: Susan G. Komen® Emphasizes More Work Remains to Ensure Access to Health Insurance

Continued Federal Support is Critical to Maintaining Essential Research and Safety-net Programs

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization acknowledges the legislation signed into law late yesterday reopening the federal government and ending the record long 43-day shutdown. The law funds most federal agencies at current levels through January 30, 2026, and includes full-year fiscal 2026 funding for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as military construction projects and the Legislative Branch. Full year funding was not addressed for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, National Cancer Institute, or the Department of Defense’s Breast Cancer Research Program, all of which will continue to be funded at current levels until Congress acts to fund the federal health agencies for the remainder of 2026.

While Komen welcomes the bill’s continuation of Medicare telehealth flexibilities that have been in place since the pandemic and contains funding for critical nutrition assistance programs, we remain concerned that this short-term funding package does not address the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits which are set to expire at the end of this year. With an estimated 4.2 million Americans set to lose healthcare coverage if these tax credits are not extended, Congress cannot afford to wait any longer to act.

Access to high-quality, affordable insurance coverage is critical for anyone living with or having survived breast cancer. On behalf of all the breast cancer community, Komen will continue to advocate for these tax credits to be extended and urges Congress to act swiftly to protect access to coverage for millions of Americans.

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/.