Access to Biomarker Testing

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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. 

Biomarker legislation map updated September 2026

 

Legislation enacted: AZ, AR*, CA, CO*, CT, DE, FL**, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA*, MD, MN, MS, NE^, NJ, NM, NY, OK, PA, RI, TN**, TX

Legislation introduced in 2026: 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

Last updated September 8, 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.

Patient and Provider Stories

Heather

Heather’s Story

Pete

Pete’s Story

Ruth

Ruth’s Story

Carla

Carla’s Story

 

Latest Updates

September 16, 2026
Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. – September 16, 2026 – Mississippi state Rep . Sam Creekmore and state Sen. Walter Michel received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of their significant contribution in

September 9, 2026
Delaware

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.

July 23, 2026
North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based policies that reduce the cancer burden. As the North Carolina legislature prepares to return to the General Assembly next week, ACS CAN urges the Senate to pass House Bill 567 to increase access to biomarker

June 30, 2026
North Carolina

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

Access to Biomarker Testing Resources

Advancements in biomarker testing have transformed cancer treatment, improving survival and quality of life by connecting patients with the therapies most likely to benefit them, and coverage is essential to ensuring access to precision treatments.

This white paper highlights the importance of state biomarker coverage laws and offers recommendations to expand access to testing.

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%).