ANNAPOLIS, MD – DECEMBER 20, 2023 – On January 1, 2024, Marylanders will gain access to biomarker testing when Chapter 322 of the Laws of 2023 takes effect for private insurers. The legislation, which requires coverage of biomarker testing when supported by scientific and medical evidence,
received near-unanimous support in the Senate and House of Delegates. Governor Wes Moore’s signature in May earned the praise of public health advocates and medical leaders. The law will go into effect for private health plans on January 1, ahead of the timeline for Medicaid coverage; Medicaid enrollees will receive coverage for biomarker testing as of July 1, 2025.
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 have failed to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing and treatment. Until now, this has resulted 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. Many people of color, individuals with lower incomes and rural communities have been left behind from the latest advances in testing and treatment. Chapter 322 will address these coverage gaps in access to biomarker testing.
“The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network thanks Delegates Karen Toles and Jheanelle Wilkins and Senator Arthur Ellis for championing this bill. We so appreciate the overwhelming support of the Maryland General Assembly and Governor Wes Moore for ensuring more patients can benefit from the latest advances in testing and personalized care,” said Lance Kilpatrick, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Maryland. “This new year, we’re eager to see Maryland bring the promise of precision medicine to more of its residents regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, income or zip code.”
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. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. By engaging advocates across the country to make their voices heard, ACS CAN influences legislative and regulatory solutions that will end cancer as we know it.