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Committee rolls genetic-testing coverage bill to finance after department flags fiscal impact
Summary
Senate Bill 16-26 (as amended) would provide genetic testing for certain high-risk patients on the state plan and eliminate out-of-pocket costs for covered tests for state employees; the Department of Finance and Administration flagged a roughly $2.9 million fiscal impact and noted the amendment changes cost-sharing from an 80/20 split to full state payment.
Chairman Briggs explained the bill and its amendments, saying it "provides genetic testing, which is vital information to patients with breast cancer, their family members, and medical providers," and that the amendment would eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for eligible state-plan enrollees. He cited studies saying multigene panels change medical management for a substantial share of eligible patients.
Jonathan Springer, director of legislation for the Department of Finance and Administration, testified the department has flagged the bill because the amendment would shift cost-sharing from an 80/20 split to a 100% state payment, producing a fiscal note "about 2,900,000." Committee members discussed whether an 80/20 approach would be more palatable; Springer said he would need to review whether that would negate the bill's purpose. A recorded vote sent the bill to finance (5 ayes, 3 no, 1 pass).
