30-04-2025
Meeting in Lewisburg about how potential cuts to Medicaid could affect cancer patients
LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) – American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network hosted a meeting at the Clingman Center in Lewisburg on Tuesday evening, April 29th.
The goal of the meeting was to bring in locals from across Greenbrier County to discuss the importance of Medicaid.
Specifically, how important Medicaid is for those battling cancer.
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With talks in Washington about potential cuts to Medicaid, the meeting could not have come 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 handful of people gathered to recount their own personal stories of the importance of Medicaid.
These personal stories are something Grassroots Manager Katie Rose Garden knows all too well.
Here 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 limited showing, the group remains unfazed.
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They said any potential cuts to Medicaid can prove disastrous for those covered under the plan.
'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 future of Medicaid remains uncertain with talks still ongoing in Washington.
The group urges anyone that has any concerns to contact their local state senators and representatives.
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