Today, legislation aiming to ensure that biomarker testing is covered by Medicaid and all other state-regulated insurance plans, was voted out of committee and will soon be heard by the full House. This marks the final step before the bill goes to Governor Matt Meyer who, earlier this year, identified biomarker testing access as a priority.
Biomarker testing is a precision medicine tool that utilizes information from patients’ disease cells to determine the right treatment at the right time. While its application has predominantly been in oncology, the power of biomarker testing extends beyond cancer care to the treatment of diseases such as arthritis, other autoimmune conditions and rare diseases. And so, a robust, disease-agnostic coalition has formed to support the bill.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is among the coalition members hoping to see this bill cross the finish line.
Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Delaware, responded, “Today’s vote brings Delaware patients one step closer to accessing the personalized care they need without worrying about whether their insurance will cover the testing that can guide critical treatment decisions. We are grateful to Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and Representative William Bush for championing this effort and helping to ensure that coverage is not a barrier to biomarker testing in Delaware. We now look forward to the House’s final approval and to Governor Meyer signing this important legislation into law so more patients can benefit from the promise of precision medicine.”
For more information on precision medicine, cancer biomarkers, current barriers to biomarker testing and ACS CAN’s policy recommendations, visit: www.fightcancer.org/biomarkers.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.