Alan Balch, PHD and Advocacy Leaders to Spotlight Healthcare Affordability at SCHD25
Alan Balch, PHD and Advocacy Leaders to Spotlight Healthcare Affordability at SCHD25
Dr. Alan Balch, the chief executive officer of the Patient Advocate Foundation, is set to take the stage at a high-stakes debate at the during Binaytara’s Summit on Cancer Health Disparities in Seattle, Washington, on April 27, 2025. Moderated by the award-winning CBS news anchor, Anne-Marie Green, this debate entitled “Crisis in Care: Can the U.S. Find a Sustainable Model for Affordable Healthcare?” will dissect ongoing challenges in cancer care from a financial perspective.
Alongside Dr. Balch, this debate will feature the president of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Dr. Anders Kolb, and Dr. Larry Kessler, professor at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health. With his extensive background in pediatric hematology-oncology and his current role in advocating for patient access to care, Dr. Kolb will be addressing the high cost of care for blood cancer patients. He will also be sharing how LLS is advancing equitable access through research, financial assistance, and policy advocacy. Collectively, these experts will bring a diverse range of expertise to the debate, leading to innovative conversations and solutions
The debate is especially timely given the current climate in the United States. Today, over 330 million residents rely on one of the most complex healthcare systems in the world. The intertwining relationships between providers, insurers, and patients have thrown the system into a state of ongoing crisis. Only recently has the term financial toxicity emerged in the context of cancer treatment, highlighting the potentially debilitating impact of treatment costs on individuals, an impact that can be as severe as physical side effects. The hidden costs of cancer care can be devastating, yet they are not discussed enough. As Dr. Balch mentioned,
“ Cancer, unfortunately, has some of the highest inequity and the most pronounced disparities, especially when you consider factors like income and geography. So, it’s not a new conversation, but it is one that continues to grow in urgency. This year in particular, there are several compounding issues. For one, we seem to be systematically reducing the safety net that, even in its current state, only catches so many people. It is already overtaxed, and when we shrink it further, even more people fall through the cracks. That directly impacts equitable access and sustainable care delivery.”
While national debates often focus on the macro issues of healthcare financing and policy, Dr. Balch emphasizes the equally critical need to address affordability on an individual level. “Disparities do not always stem from a lack of insurance”, he notes. “Even people with some coverage can find themselves unable to pay for care once everyday necessities, like gas, food, or the ability to work, become uncertain”.
For Dr. Balch, the path forward involves both large-scale system change and more immediate, patient-centered solutions. At the upcoming Summit on Cancer Health Disparities, he plans to speak to both sides of that equation. “We need a better healthcare system for everyone,” he says. “But especially for those who are already struggling to access and afford care, we need solutions that work for them now.”
About SCHD
The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities 2025 (SCHD25) is a premier annual event organized by Binaytara dedicated to addressing cancer health disparities. Set to take place on April 25 – 27th in Seattle, Washington, the conference serves to bridge research and practice, offering practical strategies to improve cancer care delivery and outcomes. SCHD25 will unite oncology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders looking to address factors contributing to cancer health disparities with evidence-based interventions. Interested in joining the conversation that will shape the future of how healthcare providers treat and manage cancer patients? Register for SCHD here to connect, learn, and engage with leading experts in oncology.