Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the right treatment at the right time.
ACS CAN Michigan & Partners Support legislation to expand access to biomarker testing for Michiganders.
This bill would increase access to biomarker testing, which is a necessary first step to accessing precision medicine.
Precision medicine includes targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and better quality of life for cancer patients. Timely access to guideline-indicated comprehensive biomarker testing will enable more patients to access the most effective treatments for their disease and can potentially help achieve the triple aim of health care: better health outcomes, improved quality of life and reduced costs.
This legislation will ensure Iowans covered by Medicaid and state regulated insurance plans have coverage for biomarker testing when medically appropriate. There is currently limited and disparate access to biomarker testing.
According to a recent ACS CAN Survivor Views survey of oncology providers, 66% reported that insurance coverage is a significant or moderate barrier to appropriate biomarker testing for their patients.
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What is Biomarker Testing?
- In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient.
- A “biomarker” is a sign of a normal biological process, disease or abnormal function that can be measured in blood, tissue or bodily fluid.
- Biomarker testing is the analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood or other biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker.
Policy action needed to ensure more Michiganders benefit.
- Not all communities are benefiting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
- Communities that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing.
- Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities.
- Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.
- Insurance coverage for biomarker testing is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatment.
Key Resources:
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Patient Profiles (www.fightcancer.org/biomarkerprofiles)
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Biomarker Testing Costs and Savings
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Non-Oncology Biomarker Testing
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National Coalition Partners