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

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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

ACS CAN conducted a survey of 315 oncology providers examining barriers providers face in performing recommended cancer biomarker testing. The survey found that providers face challenges such as lab turnaround time, patient concerns about out-of-pocket-costs, and insurance coverage of biomarker tests.

Precision medicine in cancer involves targeted therapies which work by interfering with specific cellular processes involved in the growth, spread, and progression of cancer. Treatment with targeted therapy often requires diagnostic testing to identify specific cancer biomarkers. Testing patients for biomarkers is integral to precision medicine in cancer care.

Advances in precision medicine have led to targeted cancer therapies that have improved patient outcomes and quality of life within populations of cancer patients with very specific biomarkers. Testing patients for cancer biomarkers is integral to identify those who may benefit from targeted therapy. Despite the importance of such testing, many cancer patients are not tested for biomarkers. This fact sheet highlights recent advancements in targeted cancer therapies and data from ACS CAN Survivor Views surveys of cancer patients and survivors assessing barriers to biomarker testing.  

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