LEWISBURG – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network had a meeting at the Clingman Center in Lewisburg on Tuesday evening, April 29th.
The meeting’s purpose was to bring together residents from throughout Greenbrier County to debate the necessity of Medicaid.
Specifically, how crucial Medicaid is for people fighting cancer.
With discussions in Washington about future Medicaid cuts, the gathering could not have happened at a better time.
“Currently, there’s about thirty percent with Medicaid coverage here in the state of West Virginia. That’s more than one hundred and fifty thousand West Virginian’s getting their healthcare through Medicaid. It’s certainly a service that a lot of people rely on.”Doug Hogan, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
A small group of folks met to share their personal tales on the necessity of Medicaid.
Katie Rose Garden, Grassroots Manager, is intimately familiar with these personal stories.
She is recalling a story about a patient named Tammy.
“She lost her husband to cancer almost a year before. Loses her husband to cancer, it’s about three weeks after he passes away. She goes to get a mammogram and it turns out she has cancer as well. Medicaid saved her life.”Katie Rose Garden, Grassroots Manager of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Despite the small turnout, the group remained undeterred.
They warned that any prospective Medicaid cuts might have severe consequences for people covered by the coverage.
“Typically, if a person on Medicaid receives a cancer diagnosis, that diagnosis is earlier. It’s an early stage diagnosis where the probability of a successful outcome is much greater and the cost for treating the cancer is much less.”Doug Hogan, Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The current state of Medicaid remains unknown, with discussions currently underway in Washington.
The group encourages anyone with concerns to contact their local state senators and representatives.
