Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, Patient Advocates Rally at Capitol to Protect Medicaid Access to Biomarker Testing
Advocates from across NYS will urge lawmakers to reject Medicaid rollback of biomarker testing and advance health care affordability measures
ALBANY, NY – APRIL 21, 2026 – Cancer survivors, caregivers, medical professionals and patient advocates from across New York State are gathering at the Capitol today for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual “Cancer Action Day” where they will press lawmakers on a controversial proposal to limit Medicaid enrollees’ access to a key resource in the treatment of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, mental illness and more.
Earlier this year, Governor Hochul proposed rolling back Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing, a stark reversal from 2023 when she signed legislation to improve access. That same year, Cancer Action Day focused on passing the initial law. Today, the advocates are returning to urge lawmakers to reject this rollback for Medicaid enrollees already facing financial barriers to life-saving care.
The advocates will also urge lawmakers to consider two separate proposals aimed at making health care more affordable in New York. The first would improve New York’s Temporary Disability Insurance Program, which has not been updated since 1989 and does not currently provide New Yorkers facing disease or caring for a loved one with a livable wage, job protection or health insurance continuation.
The second would connect more New Yorkers to patient navigation, a personalized health delivery service that helps patients overcome barriers to treatment.
“Three years ago, cancer survivors and advocates secured the promise of precision medicine for countless more New Yorkers when the state expanded access to biomarker testing. Now, they’re back and ready to defend the law that has injected hope into many patients’ lives” said Michael Davoli, senior government relations director for ACS CAN in New York.
“Few people understand what hope can do better than cancer survivors and their families. That’s why we have over 150 members of the cancer community coming to Albany today. We are confident that their voices and stories will resonate with lawmakers and, from there, we will see barriers to care and to hope broken down, not erected,” he continued.
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
