May 21, 2025

This blog covers the latest cancer news you need about new federal and state legislation, laws, and programs that may impact the community. This month we have information on Social Security, Medicaid, state paid leave, and more.

National Updates

What is Happening with Medicaid?

Congress is proposing changes to Medicaidin their 2025 reconciliation bill. These changes are not final yet and could still change:

• Requiring some adults to help pay for their care if their income is between 100% and 138% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Requiring adults ages 19 to 64 to work in order to be eligible for Medicaid
• Limiting coverage for care from the past 1 month instead of the past 3 months

To keep up with the latest updates, visit this page: Tracking the Medicaid Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill . For information about how to share your voice related to these changes, watch Triage Cancer’s webinar Post-Election Advocacy: Getting Engaged .

What is Happening with Social Security?

The Social Security Administration (SSA)is adding a new way for people to see their Social Security number (SSN) online. If you have a my Social Security Account , you can look up your SSN on your phone or computer, rather than needing to have a physical Social Security card. This new tool will be available in early summer of 2025. To learn more, visit Social Security Introduces Secure Digital Access to Social Security Numbers .

What is Happening with the Marketplace?

Starting Friday, May 16, people in states that use Healthcare.gov to access the State Health Insurance Marketplace will need to show proof if they lost their health insurance and want to get a new health insurance plan through a Special Enrollment Period.

If the system can’t check this automatically, you’ll need to upload papers that show your coverage ended. You have 30 days to do this after you choose a plan. You can’t use your new health plan until your papers are approved and you pay your first premium. Learn more about Health Insurance Marketplaces on our Health Insurance Resources page .

What is Happening in Other National Health Care News?

United Healthcarehas agreed to a proposed $9.5 million settlement in a lawsuit where patients sued over being denied coverage for a special cancer treatment called proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT). The insurance company and 2 employers were accused of wrongly saying the treatment wasn’t necessary and denying coverage. As part of the proposed settlement, patients may be eligible for reimbursement if they were denied either pre-authorization or coverage for PBRT, between March 26, 2016, and August 28, 2023.

What is Happening in States?

• Marylandis pushing back the start date of the state’s paid family and medical leave insurance program. Payroll deductions will now begin on January 1, 2027, and employees can start accessing Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits on January 3, 2028.
• Under Missouri’snew paid sick leave law , private Missouri employers of any size must provide paid sick leave starting May 1, 2025. Employers are required to let their employees earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
• New Jerseyhas a new law that requires state-regulated health insurers, including Medicaid, to cover biomarker testing. The law aims to increase patient access to more personalized, effective identification and treatment of cancers.
• North Dakota’sGovernor has signed two new bills, House Bill 1216 and Senate Bill 2280 , to improve access to health care. HB 1216 requires that all prescription drug copayments, whether paid by patients or someone else, count towards their deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. SB 2280 sets rules for prior authorizations and requires insurance companies to share their approval guidelines to help avoid delays in getting care.

Stay tuned for more news at the national and state level that may impact the cancer community.

If you are interested in getting more involved in advocating for a policy or law in your state, check out Triage Cancer’s resources on policy and legislative advocacy efforts .

About Triage Cancer

Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues . Through events , materials , and resources , Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.

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