Susan G. Komen® Flags Upcoming Changes Coming to Health Care Coverage; Leads Advocacy Efforts To Protect Breast Cancer Community

2026 State, Federal Policy Priorities Include Preserving Funding and Access to Health Care and Programs That Save Lives

WASHINGTON, DC - The Susan G. Komen^® Center for Public Policy announced its 2026 state and federal advocacy priorities, underscoring the urgent need to protect the breast cancer community from impending changes that will drastically change affordability and access to health care.

At both the federal and state levels, policymakers are weighing proposals that could significantly increase costs, reduce coverage and weaken critical cancer programs. From the uncertain future of access to affordable health insurance that preserve vital patient protections, to cuts to funding for key cancer screening programs, to the continued need for a robust investment in biomedical research, to new Medicaid barriers, these policies risk reversing decades of progress in breast cancer detection, treatment and survivorship.

"There are massive changes underway now and looming in the near future that will change health care as we know it," said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. "Our team is working at the state and federal levels to lessen the blow these policy changes will have on breast health services and to people diagnosed and living with breast cancer."

2026 Federal Policy Priorities:
Reducing the administrative and financial barriers to high-quality, affordable health insurance for all

• Extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits that will help individuals afford premiums for Marketplace plans. If Congress does not act. premiums will increase significantly for all on Marketplace plans, and it is estimated that 4.2 million Americans will drop coverage this year because of the cost.

Ensuring timely access to screening, diagnosis and care

• Protect funding for early detection programs including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).

• Strengthen the breast cancer safety net by passing the SCREENS for Cancer Act (H.R.2381/S.1866) to reauthorize the NBCCEDP.

• Expand access to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging by passing the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act (H.R.3037/S.1500).

• Reduce administrative roadblocks to ensure timely access to care for those living with metastatic breast cancer through the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.2048/S.442).

Investing in the future of breast health care

• Maintain a strong investment in the future of detection and treatment by advocating for critical breast cancer and biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense.

2026 State Policy Priorities:
Navigate implementation of H.R. 1

• Ensure the most favorable outcomes for Medicaid patients by working with state legislatures and administrative offices as they begin to implement provisions of H.R.1, including establishing standards for community engagement requirements as well as the required changes to eligibility, cost sharing and covered medical services.

Protect safety net programs

• Educate lawmakers on the importance of safety net programs for low-income and uninsured individuals, advocating to maintain robust eligibility and funding. Millions of Americans rely on no- or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment services offered through state programs and these programs should not fall victim to balancing state budgets.

Minimize financial toxicity for patients

• Advocate for policies that eliminate out-of-pocket costs for needed breast imaging beyond a screening mammogram, address coverage and affordability of genetic testing, as well as prohibit insurers from requiring to use of step therapy protocols metastatic cancer treatments.

"Komen's advocacy priorities are grounded in one simple truth: policy decisions directly impact whether people can access high-quality breast health services and cancer care," Guthrie said. "We will continue to work with policymakers to put patients first."

Visit Komen's Center for Public Policy to learn more about the 2026 state and federal policy priorities and get involved.