Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation requiring state-regulated health insurance plans, including Medicaid, in Delaware to cover medically appropriate biomarker testing, helping improve access to precision medicine that can guide treatment decisions.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauded the signing of the legislation, which will reduce barriers to biomarker testing for Delawareans facing cancer and many other serious diseases.
Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for ACS CAN in Delaware, issued the following statement:
"By signing this legislation into law, Governor Meyer has taken an important step toward ensuring that more Delawareans can access the personalized care they need without worrying whether insurance will cover the testing that can identify the most effective treatment.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Meyer for making biomarker testing a priority and signing this legislation into law. We also thank Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and Representative William Bush for their steadfast leadership in championing this effort through the General Assembly, as well as the broad coalition of patient advocates, health care providers and organizations that worked together to make this day possible.
“Every patient deserves the opportunity to receive the right treatment at the right time. The governor’s signature brings Delaware one step closer to making that a reality."
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.