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... session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients by expanding coverage for biomarker testing. “ACS CAN calls on the legislature to increase access to biomarker testing, an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments by ensuring state regulated health insurance, including Medicaid, covers appropriate biomarker testing for patients who could benefit. Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the ... has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes,” said Doug Hogan, ACS CAN government relations director. “Despite its benefits, health insurance coverage of biomarker testing has not kept pace with innovations in treatment.  Additionally, ACS CAN calls on the legislature to ...

... annual Day at the Capitol. This year, the event brought together cancer patients, survivors and their families from across the state with health advocates from the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Tomorrow. As part of the rally, advocates carried and displayed photos of their loved ones who ... and Kentucky state lead ambassador volunteer with ACS CAN. “It is no coincidence that while our state experiences more suffering, higher health costs, and more people fighting this disease, our cigarettes are among the cheapest in the nation. The good news is that we know how to win ... death. It would also save Kentucky’s Medicaid program more than $6 million over five years and over $1 billion in long-term health care costs. In addition, $266 million in new, annual, state revenue would be generated, more than enough to provide new funding for pediatric ...

... cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Kentucky Residents impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this ... Network (ACS CAN) will work with the Kentucky General Assembly on legislative and regulatory efforts that provide affordable, adequate access to health insurance including Medicaid, ensure adequate funding for lifesaving cancer screening and prevention programs, and enact prevention policies ...

... and partners are working together to make sure more Kentuckians 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, ... that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers, are less likely to receive biomarker testing. Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities. Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing ...