LINCOLN, Neb. – As the largest coalition of Nebraska patients and provider groups in years to unite on a new health policy, we are glad to see that the Nebraska legislature recognizes the importance of biomarker testing and access to precision medicine for patients living with chronic disease. We have concerns about the final bill language and will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure equitable access for all Nebraskans who can benefit.
The final bill language, which was signed by Gov. Pillen this week, limits biomarker testing coverage to an incomplete list of diseases and conditions. For example, current, proven applications in rare disease and neurodegenerative diseases will not be covered for Nebraskans under the bill passed this session. A static list of tests will not keep pace with new innovations, impeding access to new tests for unnamed illnesses. The coalition looks forward to working with lawmakers next year to ensure more Nebraskans can access biomarker testing and targeted treatment for their disease.
Biomarker testing uses a person’s own body to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. The results of biomarker testing can help determine the medication(s) or treatment(s) that will work best for a specific patient.
Twenty-one other states have passed legislation to expand coverage of biomarker testing for any proven disease types by aligning insurance coverage of biomarker testing with the latest medical and scientific evidence.
“We appreciate Senator Bostar’s leadership and look forward to closing these gaps next session,” said Megan Word, Nebraska government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Our groups will continue working with lawmakers to improve access to biomarker testing for all Nebraskans who can benefit and hope the legislature can act next session to align coverage for the game-changing testing with the evidence for all proven conditions.
For more information about how biomarker testing connects patients with the right treatment at the right time, visit www.fightcancer.org/biomarkers.
Ai Arthritis
Aimed Alliance
ALS Association
Alzheimer’s Association – Nebraska Chapter
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Lung Association - Nebraska
American Association of Clinical Urologists
Arthritis Foundation
A Time to Heal Cancer Foundation
BioNebraska
Biomarker Collaborative
CancerCare
Cancer Support Community/Gilda’s Club
Cervivor, Inc.
CLL Society
Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO)
Colon Cancer Coalition
Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
End Preeclampsia
Exon20 Group
Fight Colorectal Cancer
Global Colon Cancer Association
Global Liver Institute
Go2 for Lung Cancer
Honor the Gift
ICAN - International Cancer Advocacy Network
KRAS Kickers
Lung Cancer Research Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation
Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc.
MET Crusaders
Michael J. Fox Foundation
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
National Organization for Rare Diseases
Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2)
Nebraska Cancer Specialists
Nebraska Oncology Society
Nebraska Rheumatology Society
Oncology Nursing Society
One Cancer Place Patient Empowerment Network
Patients Rising
PD-L1 Amplifieds
Sharsheret
Tigerlily Foundation
Triage Cancer
VHL Alliance
ZERO Prostate Cancer