Biomarker Testing Bill Update

What is Biomarker Testing?

Biomarker testing is a way to look for genes, proteins, and other substances that can provide important information about a patient's unique cancer or illness. This type of testing is essential to accessing precision medicine, including targeted therapies that can improve survivorship and better quality of life for patients battling cancer. This legislative session, a bill was filed that would ensure insurance coverage of biomarker testing for diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses such as cancer.

Where the Bill Stands Today

On July 30, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed HB5630, An Act strengthening primary care and advancing health care affordability, which includes an amended version of the American Cancer Society/Dana-Farber legislation. The amended language is narrower than the original legislation and limits coverage to certain clinical uses of biomarker testing.

HB5630 is currently before a House/Senate conference committee. The Committee has until January 5, 2027, to report out a final bill.

Take Action Today

Please contact conference committee members. Thank them for including biomarker testing coverage in the primary care and health care affordability legislation, and ask them to restore the original biomarker language to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment for illnesses such as cancer.

Conference Committee Members

House

• Rep. Aaron Michlewitz- Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov
• Rep. Hannah Kane- Hannah.Kane@mahouse.gov
• Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne- Meghan.Kilcoyne@mahouse.gov

Senate

• Sen. Cindy Friedman- Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov
• Sen. John Cronin- John.Cronin@masenate.gov
• Sen. Kelly Dooner- Kelly.Dooner@masenate.gov

Email template

Dear Senator/Representative,

I am reaching out to respectfully ask you to support restoring the original biomarker testing language in the final primary care bill. 

Biomarker testing looks for genes, proteins, and other substances that can provide important information about a patient's unique illness. The original bill language is consistent with 25 states that have passed coverage for biomarker testing. The original version of the bill would expand access to biomarker testing for patients with cancer and other diseases in Massachusetts, helping patients and their care teams identify and choose the most appropriate treatment.

Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure coverage of biomarker testing for patients diagnosed with cancer and to avoid delays in determining the most effective treatment and accessing potential clinical trials.

I appreciate your consideration.