Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health Insurance Genetic Testing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supporters press lawmakers to ban cost sharing for genetic cancer testing; insurers warn of accuracy and cost concerns
Summary
Delegate Dana Jones introduced House Bill 830 to require health insurers to cover medically necessary genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations and evidence‑based cancer imaging without patient cost sharing, saying the change would reduce disparities in access and help catch cancers earlier.
Delegate Dana Jones, sponsor of House Bill 830, told the committee the measure would ‘‘increase access to recommended testing for inherited gene mutations and evidence‑based screenings by eliminating burdensome patient cost‑sharing requirements.’’ Jones framed the bill as an equity measure, citing data she said showed minority patients were less likely to be offered genetic testing despite comparable need.
Nut graf: HB 830 would require private insurers to cover medically necessary genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations and evidence‑based cancer imaging without patient cost sharing. Supporters said the change is a prevention policy that could save lives and add negligible costs to premiums; insurers argued tests vary in clinical utility and accuracy and that mandating coverage could raise system costs.
Patient advocates, national cancer nonprofits and survivors gave emotional testimony. Angelica Katz of Susan G. Komen urged the committee to reject financial barriers, saying genetic results can change treatment and prevention decisions; Deborah Coleman, a two‑time cancer survivor, described multiple family cancers and repeated testing, and F.O.R.C.E. vice president Lisa Schlager — a BRCA1 carrier — described the elevated lifetime cancer risks tied to some mutations. Survivors and patient advocates described out‑of‑pocket bills: one witness said she recently faced an $1,800 bill for a screening.
Insurers pushed back. Matt Celentano of the League of Life & Health Insurers of Maryland said private carriers already cover genetic counseling and testing for high‑risk patients and cited Maryland Health Care Commission materials suggesting tests can be inaccurate in some settings. ‘‘These tests are only about 40 to 50 percent accurate,’’ he said in committee testimony, arguing that both clinical utility and accuracy vary and mandating broad coverage would add cost. Celentano cited a state actuarial estimate he said translated to about 53 cents per member per month as an example of potential premium impact.
The committee closed the public hearing after hearing proponents and opponents; members asked insurers and advocates to continue technical work. No final vote was taken at the hearing.
