As an oncologist and hematologist, I firmly support every person’s right to receive the care they need. I understand that access to health coverage plays a critical role in surviving a cancer diagnosis, which is why I was alarmed to learn that the Kentucky legislature is advancing a bill that would strip health coverage from hardworking residents.
House Bill 2 would make it more difficult for individuals who hear the words, “You have cancer,” to access the lifesaving treatment they need to recover and remain healthy.
The Kentucky House of Representatives recently approved HB 2, accelerating the rollout of copayments that will significantly raise out-of-pocket expenses for low-income Medicaid recipients—well beyond what federal law requires at this stage.
By doing so, lawmakers are placing a heavier burden on cancer patients by enforcing the maximum allowable $35 copayment for inpatient hospital care, where many receive essential treatments. This measure puts lives in danger and could force more patients to skip treatment, worsening their health and shortening their lives.
Every day, I meet families facing unimaginable circumstances. Kentucky families, particularly those battling cancer, deserve stability, dignity, and a system that supports them during their most vulnerable moments. Instead, this bill deepens their struggles.
Alongside the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and other healthcare organizations, I urge the Kentucky Senate to consider how the barriers created by this legislation will affect residents’ ability to stay healthy and care for their families.
The Senate now has a chance to reduce the burden on working families and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. For many low-income individuals with serious health conditions, this bill represents a life-or-death decision.
The ability of Kentuckians to maintain healthy lives, detect cancer early, and receive effective treatment depends directly on the choice the Senate is about to make. Lawmakers can protect their constituents’ well-being by rejecting these severe and potentially life-threatening changes to Medicaid.
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