DOVER, DE – The Delaware State Senate has unanimously passed legislation that would ensure biomarker testing is covered by more insurance plans, including Medicaid, when patients need it.
Biomarker testing has revolutionized cancer treatment over the last few decades and is increasingly important in the treatment of other conditions, providing access to targeted treatment and tailoring care to a person’s individual disease.
When American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer Matt Wilson underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer over 13 years ago, biomarker testing wasn’t activated to the degree it is today. In the meantime, biomarker testing has become increasingly important which may have played a role in the steady decline of cancer mortality rates.
“Though biomarker testing did not inform my initial treatment, it is a critical tool for ensuring my cancer stays in remission. It is also critical for ensuring continued progress in the fight against this disease,” said Wilson. “The more we know about cancer and the better we understand how to treat it, the closer we are to ending cancer as we know it for everyone. Biomarker testing makes that possible.”
Unfortunately, insurance coverage for biomarker testing is failing to keep pace with innovation and advancements in treatment. As a result, many patients who should be receiving biomarker testing may be unable to access the most effective treatment for their disease.
Sponsored by Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, the legislation (Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 120) aims to ensure more Delawareans can benefit from biomarker testing. It now heads to the House for consideration, where Representative William Bush has been championing the House companion bill. ACS CAN and the coalition backing the biomarker bill are calling on House leaders to prioritize patients and pass the proposal without delay.
“For thousands of patients in Delaware, biomarker testing has meant more effective care and better outcomes, offering renewed hope. Yet, too many people still struggle to access this testing due to barriers, including inadequate insurance coverage,” said Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director at ACS CAN.
“At ACS CAN, we hear these heartbreaking stories of missed opportunities every day. We thank the Senate for acting to rectify the gaps that lead to such heartbreak. It’s now time for the House to eliminate these barriers and ensure more patients who can benefit from biomarker testing have access to it," continued Kilpatrick.
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) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.