JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi House passed House Bill 565 Wednesday, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for patients across the Magnolia State. Biomarker testing is a key tool used by physicians to identify the most effective treatments for cancer and other diseases.
“In the case of a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing helps doctors develop a personalized treatment plan so some patients can avoid treatments that won’t work for their individual disease. It can help save critical time in a cancer fight,” said Kimberly Hughes, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Mississippi. “More than 18,000 Mississippians will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ this year. Everyone who can benefit from biomarker testing deserves access.”
The legislation, known as Jill’s Law, is named for Jill Eure, the late wife of Rep. Casey Eure (R- Harrison). Jill Eure benefited from biomarker testing after her cancer diagnosis. Her story is a testament to the power of innovation in medicine and to the urgency of making these tools available to all Mississippians.
Jill’s Law would ensure insurance coverage of biomarker testing keeps up with the latest science for patients with state-regulated insurance plans. The bill now goes to the Senate for debate.
ACS CAN advocates and volunteers will be at the Capitol next Wednesday for the annual Cancer Action Day where they will hold a news conference in the Rotunda at 10:30 asking lawmakers to support this crucial legislation.