A new type of policy has been introduced that has the potential to put cancer patients at serious financial risk. You may not have heard of copay accumulators or accumulator adjustment programs before, so this blog will provide an overview of these policies to help prepare you in case you might be at risk of facing this barrier to affordable cancer care.

Each month, the Cancer Policy Insitute will be profiling advocates who have been engaged in advocacy in their home state, their community, with elected officials, and more. Read on to learn more about our featured advocate for the month of April and his passion for promoting patient-centered, heart-driven compassionate care. If you are interested in learning more about policy, advocacy, and ways to get involved, sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Network!

In this blog from our Pasadena affiliate, our guest blogger shares the story of Olivia Gaines, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was in college. Her powerful story represents the experience of many adolescents and young adults who face cancer.

Whether you are familiar with the phrase distress screening or are seeing it for the first time, the results we are sharing will show how important this tool is for patients diagnosed with cancer.

"Having a personal connection to an issue is part of what will make the work that you do resonate with so many people. It will drive your passion to do more research, learn about the issue, and look for ways in which you can contribute and help people." Read more from Miranda about discovering the importance of being an advocate and sharing your story.