Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine.
Biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient, but not all communities are benefitting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
Progress in improving cancer outcomes increasingly involves the use of precision medicine. Biomarker testing is an important step for accessing precision medicine including targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and better quality of life for cancer patients. But without action to expand coverage of and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.
ACS CAN is working to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.
Legislation enacted: AZ, AR*, CA, CO*, CT, FL**, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA*, MD, MN, MS, NE^, NJ, NM, NY, OK, PA, RI, TN**, TX
Legislation introduced in 2026: DE, HI, MA, ME, NH, NC, OH, VT, WA
* Private plans only **Public plans only ^Nebraska law applies to a limited list of diseases and conditions
Effective dates vary. Last updated May 2026.
Biomarker testing helps ensure cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time.
It allows doctors to precisely target a specific cancer so patients may not have to undergo more generalized treatments like chemo and radiation that may not work as well for them.
RALEIGH, N.C. – June 30, 2026 – With days left to act in the legislative session, cancer advocates urgently call on North Carolina lawmakers to pass legislation improving access to biomarker testing. The following statement can be attributed to American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) North Carolina Grassroots
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.
SALEM, Oregon –– Improved coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing is crucial for Oregonians to have the best chance of treating and defeating cancer and other diseases. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its Oregon partners will advocate for expanded access during the 2027 Oregon Legislature and
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
LUNGevity and ACS CAN partnered with Bruce Quinn Associates to develop materials to engage hospitals on pathologist-initiated biomarker testing, providing an overview of the MolDx clarification on CMS "treating physician" guidance.
The nation’s drug shortage crisis continues to affect cancer patients and survivors with 1 in every 10 (10%) reporting impacts to care, a majority of whom have had difficulties finding substitute medications (68%) and cited treatment delays (45%).
Our latest Survivor Views survey sees increases in biomarker testing since the question was last asked three years ago along with reduced cost and coverage barriers in that time. Cancer patients and survivors describe the benefits and overwhelmingly agree biomarker testing gave their providers information that improved their treatment.