What Was in the Federal Budget That Impacts the Cancer Community?

Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which funds key federal health agencies and includes cancer-related policies affecting research, early detection, and access to care.

Below is what you need to know.

The Act includes funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees agencies responsible for cancer research, prevention, and treatment.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH):
  Funding increased by $415 million, bringing total funding to $47.2 billion. The NIH supports biomedical research across the country, including cancer-related clinical trials and scientific innovation.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI):
  Funding increased by $128 million, for a total of $7.35 billion. The NCI leads the federal government’s cancer research efforts, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment advancements.
• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H):
  Funding maintained at $1.5 billion. ARPA-H supports high-impact biomedical research aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in cancer and other serious diseases.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cancer Programs:
  Funding increased by $3 million. This includes additional support for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which provides screening and diagnostic services to eligible individuals with limited income.

What Other Laws Were Included That Impact the Cancer Community?

• Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act:
  Creates a pathway for Medicare to cover multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, once the tests are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and clinical benefit is demonstrated. MCED tests aim to detect multiple types of cancer through a single blood test.
• Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act:
  Streamlines enrollment for out-of-state providers in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), helping children access specialized care across state lines more easily. For families navigating complex pediatric cancer care, reducing administrative barriers can improve access to timely treatment.

Why These Changes Matter

Federal funding decisions and health policy changes can directly impact:

• Cancer research and innovation
• Access to early detection and screening
• Medicare coverage options
• Medicaid and CHIP access for children

Understanding these updates can help people diagnosed with cancer make informed decisions about their health care and coverage options.

For more information about health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and your rights after a cancer diagnosis, visit TriageCancer.org.