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Representative McKenna urges insurance coverage for biomarker testing to expand precision care
Summary
Representative McKenna told the committee biomarker testing can guide targeted treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s and rare diseases and urged coverage via private insurers and Medicaid to avoid delays and reduce avoidable costs.
Representative McKenna told the House Health Care Committee that her bill would require insurance coverage for biomarker testing so more Vermonters could access diagnostic tools that tailor treatments to a patient’s biology.
“Biomarker testing is a powerful tool that helps healthcare professionals and providers tailor treatments to a patient's unique biology, increasing effectiveness and reducing unnecessary procedures,” McKenna said. She cited applications in cancer, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases and rare genetic disorders and said lack of coverage can delay diagnosis and raise financial burdens.
McKenna told lawmakers that the bill targets both Medicaid and commercial markets. When members asked whether qualified health plans such as MVP or Blue Cross Blue Shield already cover certain tests, McKenna said she did not have specifics for each carrier. Committee members noted elements in the draft that define “health insurance plan” and observed Medicaid language appears later in the bill; McKenna confirmed the bill can require coverage by both health insurers and Medicaid.
McKenna argued coverage is cost‑effective because earlier detection and targeted therapies can reduce avoidable hospital visits and ineffective treatments. She said roughly 20 other states already provide coverage for biomarker testing and urged Vermont to adopt similar coverage to improve outcomes and equity. The committee did not take a vote; members said they would take further testimony.
