In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, access to health care is more important than ever.
A recent poll from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network surveyed more than 1,200 cancer patients and found that half of respondents say COVID-19 has impacted their health care, with the most common issue being delayed or canceled care.
Cancer patients and survivors are also feeling the financial stress – nearly 40% of the survey respondents said COVID-19 is having a notable effect on their ability to afford their care. This is especially true for lower-income patients.
Our lawmakers can do something about this. Medicaid plays a powerful role in the fight against cancer. It provides health insurance to people when they need it most – after the loss of a job and related health coverage, reduction of hours or any other financial hardship we now all risk facing.
As the impact of COVID-19 on our communities grows, so does the number of people in need of this help.
Our lawmakers must take swift, thoughtful and courageous action to protect the health of Granite Staters – whether it’s someone dealing with a chronic disease or someone with symptoms of coronavirus who needs testing and treatment.
Increased access to Medicaid would also reduce the financial pressures on health systems by ensuring they are reimbursed for their services.
I sincerely hope New Hampshire lawmakers rise to this challenge and seize this opportunity to increase access to coverage through Medicaid for the health of our residents and hospital systems.
BEV COTTON
Weare
(The writer is a cancer survivor and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.)