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

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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

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.  

Cancer biomarker testing can lead to targeted therapy which can improve survival and quality of life by connecting patients to the most beneficial treatment for their disease.