Advocates press committee to remove cost barriers for genetic testing and cancer screening

ANNAPOLIS — Supporters of SB 476 told the Senate Finance Committee the bill would expand coverage of genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations and require insurers to eliminate cost‑sharing for evidence‑based screenings that follow from positive tests.

Senator Pam Bridal, sponsor, said genetic test results can drive prevention and targeted treatment choices. Angelica Katz of Susan G. Komen said 5–10 percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited mutations and that testing can change medical management and extend lives in some cases.

Rachel Joseph, a two‑time breast cancer survivor from Montgomery County, told the committee she underwent testing after diagnosis and that out‑of‑pocket bills for contemporary multi‑gene panels and counseling can be substantial. "I did learn from my insurance company that the out of pocket costs for this could be as much as $800," she said, urging the committee to support the bill so cost does not deter testing.

Pat Hogan, a government‑affairs representative for Komen, noted a Maryland Health Care Commission estimate cited by proponents that projected a negligible premium impact (the report estimated a 0–0.06% premium increase in one scenario), but opponents including the League of Life and Health Insurers and CareFirst questioned medical necessity and cost assumptions.

Opponents argued private insurers already cover genetic counseling and testing for high‑risk individuals and warned of additional premium pressure and potential consumer anxiety from broad testing. The MHCC report and stakeholder testimony were discussed but no final action was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

— Proponents focused on equity gaps in offering testing to minority patients and urged the committee to adopt the bill to expand access to evidence‑based testing and related early detection.