The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unexpected financial hardships and reduced hospital capacity for cancer screenings and treatment.
Cancer patients and those who’ve recently completed treatment are finding it challenging to get necessary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are experiencing financial stress trying to afford care in an increasingly difficult economic environment.
For the 39,360 Tennesseans who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020, access to affordable, comprehensive care is essential to detecting, treating and surviving this disease. In Tennessee, cancer is the second leading cause of death, and an estimated 14,780 Tennesseans will die from it this year. Providing low-income adults and families and those who recently lost their insurance due to the pandemic with access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage is critical in the fight against cancer.
In Tennessee, to help improve access to care, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is pushing the state legislature and governor to expand Medicaid, also known as TennCare. This pandemic has shined a light on how important access to quality health care is for all Tennesseans. This pandemic has caused unexpected financial hardships and reduced hospital capacity for cancer screenings and treatment. It has never been more important to reduce barriers to cancer care for Tennesseans.
300,000 Tennesseans are in the coverage gap
Tennessee is one of 14 states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid to allow more low-income adults to be eligible for health insurance through TennCare. As a result, over 300,000 Tennesseans are in the coverage gap. They earn about $1,500 per month, which is too much to qualify for TennCare and not enough money to afford private health insurance.
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The health insurance coverage provided by TennCare helps improve outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer by offering enrollees access to prevention services; timely cancer screening and early detection services; as well as affordable treatment services and care. Medicaid has seen improved rates of colorectal, prostate and cervical cancer screenings. Individuals enrolled in Medicaid prior to their cancer diagnosis also have better survival rates than those who enroll after their diagnosis.
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COVID-19 has affected patients’ care
A recent American Cancer Society survey found that half of those surveyed reported some impact on their care due to COVID-19. Of those who’ve experienced an effect, nearly 1 in 4 report a delay in care or treatment.
Among just the respondents who remain in active treatment, more than a quarter (27%) report a delay in their care and 13% say they don’t know when it will be rescheduled.
One-third of all patients say they’re worried about the impact COVID-19 will have on their ability to get care, a concern that is especially prevalent among patients in active treatment (40%).
The health effects of this pandemic stretch well beyond those diagnosed and suffering from COVID-19 and are having an acute and adverse impact on cancer patients, many of whom can’t afford treatment delays. Cancer patients are dealing with understandable, but in many cases, unsustainable delays in their care. The data show the need for quick action in bolstering our health care system so we can both care for those diagnosed with the virus and for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
It is past time for the Tennessee legislature and governor to put politics aside and do what is right for Tennesseans, especially in this unprecedented time. Medicaid isn’t a handout. It’s a critical health insurance program for individuals who are in a tough spot and have no other options, and it is past time to expand it.
Emily Ogden is the Tennessee government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
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