Access to Biomarker Testing

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Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine.

Biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient, but not all communities are benefitting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.


Progress in improving cancer outcomes increasingly involves the use of precision medicine. Biomarker testing is an important step for accessing precision medicine including targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and better quality of life for cancer patients. But without action to expand coverage of and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.

ACS CAN is working to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing. 

Biomarker Legislation Status March 24

 

Legislation enacted: AZ, AR*, CA, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA*, MD, MN, NM, NY, OK, RI, TX
Legislation introduced: CO, FL**, HI, IA, MA, ME, NV, OH, PA, VT, WA, WV
* Private plans only **awaiting signature, public plans only
 

Get more information about our campaigns.

Colorado | Florida | Massachusetts | Maryland | Maine | Minnesota | Nevada |  New York | Ohio | Oklahoma | PennsylvaniaTexas | Washington

 

Last Updated January 2024

Biomarker testing helps ensure cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time.

It allows doctors to precisely target a specific cancer so patients may not have to undergo more generalized treatments like chemo and radiation that may not work as well for them.

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Help cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time!

Biomarker testing is the latest advanced in cancer research that is personal to the patient and their cancer, helping ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time. 

Latest Updates

May 7, 2024
Pennsylvania

Earlier today, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers rallied at the Pennsylvania State Capitol as a part of their annual Cancer Action Day advocating for several legislative proposals that aim to address the needs of patients across the cancer continuum. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) gives people impacted by cancer a powerful voice with lawmakers by holding an annual Cancer Action Day.

May 7, 2024
Hawaii

Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commend the Hawaii State Legislature for the passage of HCR 53 during the 2024 legislative session. The resolution moves Hawaii one step closer to advancing legislation to expand access to the testing needed to connect cancer patients and those battling other diseases to precision treatments through biomarker testing.

May 7, 2024
Ohio

Cancer Advocates and Cyclists Gathered at the Statehouse Today to Say Ohio Can and Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer

May 1, 2024
Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill today, expanding access to  biomarker testing to more patients statewide. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and its team of volunteers, including cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, applaud the governor and

Access to Biomarker Testing Resources

The nation’s drug shortage crisis continues to affect cancer patients and survivors with 1 in every 10 (10%) reporting impacts to care, a majority of whom have had difficulties finding substitute medications (68%) and cited treatment delays (45%).

Our latest Survivor Views survey sees increases in biomarker testing since the question was last asked three years ago along with reduced cost and coverage barriers in that time. Cancer patients and survivors describe the benefits and overwhelmingly agree biomarker testing gave their providers information that improved their treatment. 

Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine. However, coverage for guideline-recommended biomarker tests is not universal and can be a barrier to cancer patients accessing treatments that can lead to improved survival and quality of life.