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Senate committee backs bill requiring insurers to cover biomarker testing after patient and clinician testimony
Summary
S-3098, which would require coverage for medically supported biomarker testing by Medicaid and state‑regulated plans, was favorably released after testimony from cancer researchers, survivors and caregivers who said testing guides targeted treatment and can reduce unnecessary procedures.
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 17 favorably released S‑3098, a bill that would require health insurers regulated by the state — including Medicaid and the state employee plans — to cover biomarker (precision medicine) testing when such testing is medically supported.
Dr. Amy Franco, director of the Translational Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Research Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told the committee that biomarker testing has transformed cancer care by identifying genetic mutations that guide targeted treatments and spare patients ineffective or overly aggressive therapies. "Biomarker testing is critical in identifying specific genetic mutations, allowing oncologists to tailor treatment to an individual patient's cancer type," she said.
Regina Toomey Bueno, a two‑time cancer survivor, described how biomarker results shaped her treatment plan and allowed her to avoid a bone‑marrow transplant. Caregiver Anthony Williams of Edgewater Park described difficulties securing biomarker testing for family members and said he had to join a clinical trial to access testing he believed was medically necessary.
Committee members from both parties expressed support for the bill’s patient‑access goals and criticized insurers for policies that are more restrictive than clinical guidelines. Sponsors and witnesses pointed to studies showing increasing use of biomarkers in clinical trials and argued broader coverage would improve outcomes and reduce long‑term costs tied to ineffective treatment.
Committee amendments clarified coverage parameters, outlined circumstances when testing is required to be covered (excluding asymptomatic screening), and aligned co‑payment, deductible and utilization review provisions with other medical services. The committee recorded a favorable release vote on the first reprint with committee amendments; insurers’ representatives were on the witness list but the transcript shows no extended opposition on the floor during the March 17 session.
The bill now advances for further legislative consideration.
