Cancer Nation Joins 31 Organizations in Amicus Brief to Protect Medicaid Coverage for Patients with Serious Health Conditions

Coalition urges federal court to protect patients from harmful Medicaid work requirement restrictions

WASHINGTON, DC – October 28, 2026 – Cancer Nation joined 31 health care, patient advocacy, and civil rights organizations in filing an amicus brief challenging a federal rule that could jeopardize Medicaid coverage for individuals living with serious or complex medical conditions, including cancer.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Taylor v. Kennedy, the brief challenges a June 2026 interim final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that narrowly interprets exemptions from Medicaid work requirements for individuals with serious health conditions.

For people navigating cancer, access to continuous, affordable health coverage is essential. Cancer treatment, recovery, and long-term survivorship can affect an individual’s ability to work, while administrative requirements and coverage disruptions can create additional barriers to receiving timely care.

Cancer Nation believes that patients should not have to navigate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles to maintain access to lifesaving health care. Restrictive eligibility requirements risk leaving vulnerable individuals without coverage when they need it most, potentially delaying treatment, interrupting care, and increasing financial hardship.

The coalition’s brief underscores the importance of Medicaid in protecting patients with serious health conditions and urges the court to prevent implementation of requirements that could result in avoidable coverage losses.

Cancer Nation remains committed to advancing policies that protect access to affordable, comprehensive health care and ensure that people living with and beyond cancer receive the care and support they need.

The following organizations have signed onto the brief and are represented by MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP in the filing: