FRANKFORT, KY – Today, the General Assembly passed legislation that will increase access to biomarker testing, which can help determine the best treatment plan for a specific patient. Despite its benefits, private health insurance and Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing have not kept pace with the rate of innovation. This legislation, House Bill 180, fixes that barrier to access for many Kentuckians.
“Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes,” said Doug Hogan, government relations director, ACS CAN. “Over 30,000 Kentuckians will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Ensuring patients who could benefit have access to insurance-covered biomarker testing to help identify the most appropriate treatment gives them a better quality of life and the best chance of survival.”
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) thanks Kentucky legislators for their support of the biomarker testing bill, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously. ACS CAN especially thanks Rep. Kim Moser for championing this crucial next step in ensuring cancer patients have access to precision medicine. ACS CAN looks forward to seeing Gov. Beshear sign it into law.
###
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.
