Leading cancer advocacy efforts to impact policy change
Massey has directly supported dozens of advocacy and policy initiatives at national, state, and local levels aimed at reducing the cancer burden. Further participation in cancer advocacy and policy initiatives continues to be a priority as Massey, and our cancer advocacy partners explore more impactful approaches to shape cancer policies statewide and beyond.
The following evidence-based policies have been prioritized by the Office of COE and Massey leadership, as well as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
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Defending Medicaid: Since expanding Medicaid in 2019, opponents have tried to weaken the program, asking for authorization to offer substandard programs without the same levels of protection.
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Prescription drug transparency: ACS CAN and Massey are working to advance a state model prescription drug formulary transparency legislation to allow cancer patients and health consumers to know which drugs are covered and what out-of-pocket costs will be before buying an insurance plan.
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Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL): As one of nine states without a state TRL program, Massey is working to pass a comprehensive TRL program in partnership with ACS CAN.
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Access to tobacco cessation: Massey and ACS CAN are advocating for all insurance plans, including state Medicaid programs, to provide a comprehensive cessation benefit covering individual, group and telephone counseling and FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications without cost-sharing or other barriers to care.