Severe underfunding creates huge gaps in access to early detection and treatment services. Gaps in heath insurance plans result in high out-of-pocket costs. And cancer survivors often have difficulty finding affordable health insurance because they have a “pre-existing” condition.

Right now, President Obama and Congress are moving quickly on health care reform legislation. It’s up to us to make sure the needs of cancer patients are all included in the final health care package. This means ensuring access to affordable, high-quality insurance for all, an increased focus on early detection, and protections from financial hardship for people fighting cancer.

Members of the U.S. House are expected to head home for the August recess on Friday, July 31 and the Senate will follow a week later, which means the real fight has just begun. Over the recess our lawmakers will finalize their health care reform priorities and we have a small window to make sure the needs of cancer patients are at the top of their lists.

I signed the Komen Advocacy Alliance petition urging my lawmakers to support health care reform that considers the needs of people fighting cancer. Will you join me?

It’s easy to do, just click the link below and add your voice to the call:

http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/health_reform1/

Thanks for your support!

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