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Legislation Introduced to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment in Maine
... to receive biomarker testing – a routine step in accessing personalized medicine treatments that has become an increasingly important part of cancer care in recent years due to its significant impact in improving survivorship and quality of life. Progress in the fight against cancer has been in part due to advances in biomarker testing which allows physicians to match patients with ... some biomarker testing for some patients, meaning the most appropriate test for a patient may not be covered. As a result, too many Mainers can’t access such testing, which can contribute to disparities in access to the most appropriate and effective treatments. LD 1577 would address ...
Time for Mills to Bring Precision Medicine to all Mainers
... chambers earlier this month with broad bipartisan support, would increase access to biomarker testing for Mainers who need it, ensuring they can receive the right treatment at the right time for their disease. The following can be attributed to Julia McDonald, Maine director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN): “We were thrilled that Maine lawmakers have put patients ... eliminate unnecessary and costly treatments for some patients. “Now, we’re down to the wire and it’s time to look ahead. After two years of advocacy by public health groups, providers and patients across Maine, the only thing that stands between ensuring insurance coverage of this ...
Proposal Aimed at Improving Health Outcomes for Mainers Secures Overwhelming Support from Voters
... Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services will consider LD 1577. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Committee members to support the bill, which aims to expand coverage for biomarker testing—when medically appropriate—to Mainers insured through state-regulated health plans, including Medicaid. Biomarker testing is a tool utilized by physicians across a variety of specialties to connect patients to the right treatment at the right time. It has become a game-changing part of cancer care by opening the door to targeted treatments that can lead to improved survivorship and quality of life. Despite the proven benefits ...
Expand Access to Biomarker Testing in Maine
Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. ACS CAN and partners are working together to make sure more Maine residents can benefit from this important testing. What is Biomarker Testing? In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient . A “ biomarker ” is a sign of a normal biological process, disease or abnormal function that can be measured in blood, tissue or bodily fluid. Biomarker testing is the analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood or other biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker. Political action is needed to ensure more Maine ...