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. 

Biomarkers legislation coverage map

 

Legislation enacted: AR*, AZ, CA, GA, IL, KY, LA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OK, RI, TX
Legislation introduced/expected in 2024: CO, CT, HI, IA, IN, FL, MA, ME, NJ, NV, OH, PA, WA, WV, VT

*commercial only

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Colorado | Florida | Massachusetts | Maryland | Maine | Minnesota | Nevada |  New York | Ohio | Oklahoma | PennsylvaniaTexas | Washington

 

Last Updated January 2024

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.

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Help cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time!

Biomarker testing is the latest advanced in cancer research that is personal to the patient and their cancer, helping ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time. 

Latest Updates

March 13, 2024
Colorado

DENVER, COLO. — MARCH 13, 2024 — American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across Colorado convened at the State Capitol on Wednesday. They urged lawmakers to pass SB 124, which if enacted would ensure  biomarker testing is covered by more insurance plans, including Health First Colorado, when supported by medical and scientific evidence.

March 11, 2024
West Virginia

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is Encouraged as Flawed Biomarker Legislation Does Not Pass

March 6, 2024
Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 6, 2024 – The Florida legislature passed a bill late Tuesday that expands patient access to biomarker testing, a key tool used by physicians to identify the most effective treatment of cancer and other diseases.

February 29, 2024
Connecticut

Cancer Advocates Urge Elected Officials to Ensure Connecticuters Have Better Access to Personalized Care

Access to Biomarker Testing Resources

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. 

Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine. However, coverage for guideline-recommended biomarker tests is not universal and can be a barrier to cancer patients accessing treatments that can lead to improved survival and quality of life.