ANNAPOLIS, MD – MAY 3, 2023 – Today, Gov. Wes Moore will be signing HB 1217 / SB 805—among many other bills—into law. This legislation will increase insurance coverage for biomarker testing, making this form of precision medicine available to more Marylanders. The signing ceremony will take place today at 12:00pm in the State House.
“Today is a win for cancer survivors and patients across Maryland,” said Lance Kilpatrick, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Maryland. “This legislation will help expand access and bring the promise of precision medicine to patients dealing with cancer and other diseases, including arthritis, other autoimmune conditions and rare diseases, no matter their income, race or where they live. This will provide many benefits to patients including better outcomes, improved quality of life and potentially reduced costs from bypassing ineffective therapies.”
“ACS CAN thanks Delegates Karen Toles and Jheanelle Wilkins and Senator Arthur Ellis for championing this effort and the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate for approving this legislation. This success would not have been possible without invaluable patient, provider and legislative partnerships. We look forward to cancer patients across Maryland benefiting from improved access to care and better quality of life.”
ACS CAN will be joined by patient advocates and survivors to applaud Gov. Moore and the legislative champions who saw HB 1217 / SB 805 to the finish line.
For more information on precision medicine, cancer biomarkers, current barriers to biomarker testing and ACS CAN’s policy recommendations, visit: www.fightcancer.org/biomarkers.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
