Advocates and clinicians urge committee to approve SB120 to expand insurance coverage for biomarker testing

The committee heard strong, bipartisan support from medical and advocacy groups for Senate Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 120, which would require Medicaid and state‑regulated insurance plans to cover biomarker testing when medically appropriate and supported by scientific evidence.

"Biomarker testing gives patients a better chance. It helps match individuals with the right treatment, avoid ineffective options, and improve outcomes over time," Matt Wilson of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network told the committee, noting the personal impact of his pancreatic‑cancer diagnosis and the role of testing in his care.

Multiple clinical and advocacy witnesses — including Darcy Burbage, an oncology nurse; Lance Kilpatrick, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Alex Casper of the American Lung Association; and Carlin Ryan of the Delaware Healthcare Association — described biomarker testing as essential to precision medicine and equitable access to care. They argued the bill limits coverage to testing "necessary and appropriate to guide patient care" and includes standards for evidence and utilization management.

Pam Price of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield suggested a technical change: replace the undefined phrase "medical or scientific evidence" with the bill's defined term "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines." The sponsor and witnesses said the substitute extends the enactment date to 2027 to give insurers time to implement changes and cited letters of support and a fiscal note.

The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; supporters urged the committee to release the substitute for floor consideration.