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.
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
After months of debate, state lawmakers have finalized New York’s state budget, opting to preserve access to biomarker testing for Medicaid enrollees. The adopted budget changed language in the historic biomarker testing law, initially passed in 2023, to clarify biomarker testing is covered when it is medically necessary. The law will retain the most important criteria used for determining when testing is to be covered, drawing praise from cancer survivors and patient advocates.
Cancer Advocates Applaud the State Legislature's Passage of Biomarker Testing Legislation, Ensuring Illinoisans Have Better Access to Personalized Care.
Biomarker testing is becoming increasingly important for cancer care because it connects the right patient, to the right treatment, at the right time, however insurance coverage of testing varies widely.
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.