U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) on Feb. 16 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would require Medicare to cover the genetic testing costs for hereditary cancer, as well as cancer screenings or preventive surgeries that could improve prevention for Americans who have an inherited mutation that’s associated with a high risk of developing a preventable cancer.
“Early cancer screening and diagnosis is critical to improving quality of life and survival rates,” Sen. Murkowski said. “This legislation creates a path forward for greater testing and preventative surgeries — a real opportunity to help save lives.”
The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act of 2022, S. 3656, which Sen. Murkowski introduced alongside original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), would add Medicare coverage for genetic testing for germline mutations, risk-reducing surgeries and increased preventative screening frequency, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I am introducing this legislation after hearing from an individual from Fairbanks, Alaska, whose own experience with cancer in their family led them to seek these diagnostic tests,” said Sen. Murkowski. “That person’s family was fortunate to have access to the tests, but I want to ensure more Alaskans have the same opportunity. This legislative fix ensures that anyone covered by Medicare has the same access to these diagnostic tests.”
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) endorsed S. 3656, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
“Early detection can be the difference between life and death with a cancer diagnosis,” said Sen. Cardin. “Medicare’s current restriction on genetic testing for hereditary cancers is out of step with the current science and practice. We have an obligation to ensure individuals with a family risk of cancer have access to key cancer screenings that give individuals a competitive edge in the fight of their lives.”