ATLANTA, GA – MAY 1, 2023 – Tomorrow, Gov. Brian Kemp will hold a ceremonial bill signing for legislation that will increase insurance coverage for biomarker testing – thus making this form of precision medicine available to more Georgians. The signing ceremony will take place tomorrow at 10:00am in the North Wing of the Capitol.
“Cancer patients and those facing a cancer diagnosis owe a debt of gratitude to Gov. Kemp and Georgia lawmakers. 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,” said Julie Vojtech, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Georgia.
“ACS CAN thanks Representative Sharon Cooper and Senator Kay Kirkpatrick for championing this effort and the Georgia House and Senate for approving this legislation. This success would not have been possible without invaluable patient, provider, academic and legislative partnerships. Over 50 public health and medical organizations supported this effort. We look forward to cancer patients across Georgia benefiting from improved access to care and better quality of life.”
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.
