FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blood Cancer United Welcomes Court Ruling that Protects Medicaid Access for Patients with Blood Cancer & Other Medical Conditions
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2026—Blood Cancer United welcomes today’s federal court ruling in Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al v Oz et al, which struck down key provisions of a federal rule that had eliminated protections for patients with cancer and other serious medical conditions from new Medicaid work reporting requirements. The decision is a win for patients who rely on Medicaid to access necessary healthcare, including people living with blood cancer.
"This decision confirms that subjecting cancer patients to Medicaid work reporting was always against the law," said Gwen Nichols, MD, chief medical officer at Blood Cancer United. "Congress exempted patients with conditions like cancer because they knew what we all know: it's cruel to strip health coverage from a cancer patient when they need it most. Blood Cancer United calls on all states to follow the law and ensure that every patient with a serious or complex medical condition is exempted from Medicaid work reporting requirements."
Today's order from federal Judge Richard G. Stearns strikes down part of a recent Trump Administration regulation—specifically, language narrowing Medicaid "medical frailty" protections. The ruling also temporarily prevents federal officials from penalizing the 26 states and District of Columbia that sued to challenge the regulation. While the ruling does not constrain states not a party to the lawsuit, the decision makes it clear that it would be unlawful for federal or state officials to erode Congress' categorical protections for people with a serious or complex medical condition.
"A cancer diagnosis throws the lives of patients and their families into chaos and often undermines not only their physical and financial health, but also their ability to work," added Nichols. “Cancer treatment and recovery can make it difficult to navigate complex eligibility rules and documentation requirements. It has always been clear to Blood Cancer United that additional administrative barriers should not stand between patients and the care they need to stay alive."
Blood Cancer United has vocally opposed the Administration’s unlawful narrowing of Congressional protections for cancer patients and signed an amicus brief in the case. While today’s ruling will not resolve all the challenges faced by patients who are subject to these requirements, we are encouraged that the court has taken action to protect access for people with serious and complex medical conditions.
###
About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. Since their founding in 1949, the organization has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancer. Blood Cancer United funds innovative research, offers free resources and personalized support, and advocates at state and national levels for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients. To learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.
Media Contact:
Kathy Melley, Blood Cancer United
(617) 791-0708