Yesterday, both chambers in the New Jersey State Legislature passed legislation (Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098) to increase access to biomarker testing, which can help determine the best treatment plan for each patient. The bill will now go to Governor Murphy’s desk, providing him the opportunity to ensure coverage of this essential testing for more New Jerseyans. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is leading the efforts on this significant policy change to ensure more patients can get the testing needed to access precision medicine.
Biomarker testing has become a game-changing part of cancer care given its role in opening the door to targeted treatments that can lead to improved survivorship and quality of life. Despite the proven benefits, some insurers are failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing. This results in some patients being forced to decide whether to pay out-of-pocket or go without the testing that may connect them with lifesaving treatment or help them avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatments. Research suggests that specific communities including people of color, individuals with lower incomes and rural communities are being left behind from advances in precision treatments. Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098 can help address these gaps in access to biomarker testing.
Legislative champion and prime sponsor Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter said, “The passage of A4163 marks a significant step forward in ensuring equitable access to life-saving biomarker testing. By requiring health insurers to provide coverage, we are breaking down barriers to early detection and targeted treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes for countless individuals across New Jersey."
“Despite evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of biomarker testing and targeted therapy, not all individuals currently benefit equitably from these advances," said Senate sponsor Senator Troy Singleton. "Dozens of states have made expanded biomarker testing part of their insurance laws, and this important proposal will ensure New Jersey is among them. I am incredibly thankful for the American Cancer Society’s advocacy and partnership in getting this bill to the Governor’s desk."
Senator Vin Gopal added, “As a prime sponsor of S3098, I’m proud to see this life-saving legislation head to Governor Murphy’s desk to be signed into law. By expanding access to timely, evidence-based biomarker testing, we’re giving cancer patients across New Jersey a better chance at the right treatment, improved health outcomes, and a higher quality of life. This bill represents a real investment in the health of our communities by putting patients first, using innovation to save lives, and lowering long-term healthcare costs.”
Quinton Law, Government Relations Director for ACS CAN in New Jersey, said, “ACS CAN thanks Senators Gopal and Singleton and Assemblymembers Sumter, Schaer and Haider for their leadership on this biomarker testing legislation and asks Gov. Murphy to sign this bill into law as soon as possible, so it can bring the hope and promise of precision medicine to more New Jerseyans. It’s time for us to make the future of modern medicine accessible to more New Jerseyans.”
The proposed legislation would not just benefit cancer patients; biomarker testing is increasingly important in the treatment of other diseases, including Alzheimer’s, arthritis, other autoimmune conditions and rare diseases.
The Alzheimer’s Association was among the many public health organizations backing the biomarker bills. “This is a special day for people in the state of New Jersey. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is critical to improving access to care, planning support, enhancing the quality of life and reducing the financial impact of the disease. With the historic approvals of treatments that slow the progression of the disease, early diagnosis is even more crucial to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible,” said Bruce Sisler, Director of State Affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association -- Greater NJ Chapter. "The New Jersey legislature took an important step and the Alzheimer's Association commends them as we continue to fight for our vision of a world free from Alzheimer's and all forms of dementia.”
If Governor Murphy supports the legislation and expands access to biomarker testing, New Jersey would become the 21st state to enact comprehensive biomarker testing legislation, following in the footsteps of its neighbors in New York and Pennsylvania. 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) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
Volunteer advocates, including cancer survivors, patients,