Sen. Lesser, Rep. Gilchrest Applaud Final Approval of Legislation to Require Medicaid Coverage of Biomarker Testing
Chairs of the Human Services Committee State Senator Matt Lesser and State Representative Jillian Gilchrest applaud the recent signing of Public Act 24-50 by Governor Lamont. The Governor’s signature gives final approval of legislation to require Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing, an advanced medical test that allows providers to determine the best course of treatment for an illness like cancer, Alzheimers, ALS among many others.
“I am so pleased to see final approval of this legislation with the Governor’s signature. Biomarker testing is an increasingly important part of medicine, as we move towards personalized medicine,” said State Sen. Matt Lesser. “This fast-evolving field allows health care to detect diseases early, better tailoring treatments to specific individuals. As a cancer survivor myself, biomarker testing was incredibly valuable to me personally. Connecticut has some of the starkest health disparities in the country, and by making biomarker testing available to those with low incomes we are helping make a dent in health equity. Moreover, by detecting diseases early and avoiding ineffective treatments, we hope to save taxpayer dollars. This was a collaborative effort and I am grateful for the support of patient advocacy groups and of the Department of Social Services.”
“Biomarker testing plays an important role in determining a patient’s treatment plan and preventative measures for a number of diseases,” Rep. Gilchrest said. “I am so proud that our state’s Medicaid program will cover this life-saving test.”
“Without Sen. Lesser’s leadership and tenacity, we would not be celebrating the passage of S.B 307. Biomarker testing is one of the most innovative testing methods for cancer today, helping patients get the right treatment at the right time. It allows doctors to develop personalized treatment plans precisely targeted to a patient’s specific disease. Thanks to Sen. Lesser and his colleagues, more men and women across Connecticut will benefit from affordable access to biomarker testing, and enjoy better quality of life and overall health outcomes as a result. ACS CAN applauds his leadership and looks forward to working with Sen. Lesser to continue to improve public health in Connecticut,” said Bryte Johnson, Director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Connecticut.
The bill goes into effect July 1, 2024 and requires the Department of Social Services (DSS), to the extent federal law allows, to provide coverage for biomarker testing to diagnose, treat, manage, or monitor a Medicaid enrollee’s disease or condition. The bill requires DSS to condition coverage on medical and scientific evidence. |
