Medicare covers genetic testing only for people already diagnosed with cancer, regardless of family history. For individuals with an inherited genetic mutation causing increased cancer risk, coverage of many screenings and risk-reducing interventions is prohibited by law. The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act is legislation that will modify the Medicare statutes to allow coverage of these potentially life-saving services.
Knowledge of a hereditary cancer mutation can help individuals and their families:
- Better understand their personal and family members’ risks for multiple cancers
- Make informed decisions about the type and frequency of cancer screenings
- Detect cancer earlier when it is more easily treated
- Undergo recommended surgical interventions to significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers
- Qualify for participation in research or clinical trials
People with private/group health insurance—and most people with Medicaid—have coverage of these guideline-recommended services. Providing Medicare beneficiaries with the same coverage will not only save lives, but it will also save the Medicare system money by preventing cancer or detecting it earlier when it is easier and far less expensive to treat. A recent independent economic analysis demonstrates that Medicare will save at least $230 million a year by implementing this coverage.
Tell your members of Congress that coverage of genetic counseling, testing, supplemental cancer screenings and risk-reducing surgeries is essential!