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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.