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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 31, 2023 03:23 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Devlin J. Robinson |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Biomarker Testing |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to provide Pennsylvanians better access to personalized treatments following a diagnosis of cancer and other specific diseases through biomarker testing and precision medicine. Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the most effective treatment plan, and avoid treatments that may be unsuccessful. It pinpoints the presence of molecules like proteins or gene mutations found in cancer cells, identifies the likelihood of disease reoccurrence or progression, and predicts a medicine’s efficacy or likelihood of toxicity. Currently, many insurance plans cover some biomarker testing for some patients, but we have learned that many people get left behind because of financial barriers. These patients are unable to receive this individualized, targeted treatment that help them live longer and better lives. Under my legislation, state-regulated insurance plans, including Medicaid, will provide biomarker coverage supported by clinical practice guidelines or peer-reviewed scientific evidence. Similar legislation has already passed in eleven states, and ten additional states have legislation in process. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive better and more personalized testing and care. |
Introduced as SB954