Rep. Moser is proposing legislation that would require health plans to provide biomarker screening for cancer patients. The screening would allow doctors to more accurately diagnose and track the progression of cancer, allowing for more personalized treatment plans and better outcomes. The bill also calls for the establishment of an oversight committee to ensure the quality of care and to make sure the screening is made available to all cancer patients.
Representative Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, filed HB 180, legislation mandating health care plans to cover biomarker and pharmacogenetic screening for patients diagnosed with cancer and other diseases.
Biomarker and pharmacogenetic testing is a way for healthcare providers to screen patients for genes, proteins, and other substances that give them information about a person’s condition and the patient’s response to certain medications based on their genetic makeup.
Rep. Kim Moser
Currently in healthcare, 75% of patients with a reason for a biomarker test receive one, but it comes at a cost that not all insurers are willing to pay. Harvesting genetic information allows for targeted treatment specific to the diagnosis, eliminating trial and error and harmful side effects from inappropriate treatment protocols.
“I firmly believe that prevention and early treatment is the first step in creating a healthier Commonwealth and will reduce healthcare costs,” said Representative Moser. “The number of new cancer cases and chronic diseases our state sees in a year is tragic and I hope this legislation gives more patients a chance.”
Kentucky ranks in the bottom 10 states for biomarker testing coverage. By adding this layer of coverage, patients would have the opportunity to receive the right treatment at the right time with minimal cost, providing a statistical advantage for a better clinical outcome.
dr St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Doug Flora, who joined Rep. Moser for the announcement, said, “As an oncologist and hematologist, I firmly believe in the value of biomarker testing. Access to these tests remains a barrier for many patients. I am passionate about making biomarker testing more accessible so that all patients can benefit from the precision medicine approach and receive the best possible care.”
Other supporters of the legislation say biomarker testing is an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments.
“Precision medicine, dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes,” said Doug Hogan, spokesman for the American Cancer Society’s Cancel Action Network. “I look forward to working with the rest of the Legislature to pass this important piece of legislation.”
Oldham County cancer survivor Leah Phillips says biomarker testing was probably the most important factor in her quality of life and longevity.
“When I was diagnosed with lung cancer as a never smoker, biomarker testing was suggested to help choose the most effective treatment plan. The tests revealed that I have a genetic cancer that is being treated with a targeted drug, which has allowed me to lead a near-normal life for the past three years and hopefully many more. Without adequate and consistent insurance coverage, cancer patients may not be able to afford the biomarker testing they need to save their lives.”
For more information on HB 180 and past and current legislation, visit legislature.ky.gov.
Source: www.nkytribune.com
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
