Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Vern Buchanan (FL-13), announced the re-introduction of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand access to lifesaving genetic testing to determine an individual’s risk of developing cancer.

 

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act is widely supported by patient advocacy groups because it would remove barriers that block Medicare beneficiaries from accessing heritable cancer screens and medically necessary, guideline-recommended screening and preventative interventions. 

 

Under current law, Medicare only covers genetic testing for beneficiaries already diagnosed with cancer, regardless of family history or a known genetic predisposition in the family. This is a problem because knowledge of an inherited mutation can be lifesaving for an individual and their family members as it guides decisions regarding cancer screening and prevention. 

 

Lack of access to these lifesaving services exacerbate health disparities and drive up later-stage costs for Medicare, its beneficiaries and the U.S. healthcare system. With access to more early detection, individuals can detect cancer earlier when it is more easily and cost-effectively treated and better understand their personal cancer risks for multiple cancers. It produces more informed decisions about the type and frequency of screenings and can inform a wider world of family members about their potential risks.

 

“I discovered I had cancer at a young age, but I didn’t know how heavily genetics impacted my risk,” said Wasserman Schultz, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and the BRCA2 gene mutation at age 41 and after seven surgeries, is now more than fifteen years cancer free. “It’s nonsensical, wasteful and short-sighted that Medicare doesn’t allow individuals to access this inexpensive and widely available screening until they have received a potentially terminal cancer diagnosis. By expanding access to genetic testing, we empower an entire generation to learn their risk and take action before it’s too late.”

 

“Early detection saves lives,” said Miller-Meeks. “As a physician, I have seen firsthand how identifying cancer risk early can dramatically change outcomes for patients and their families. This bipartisan bill removes unnecessary barriers for Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring they can access the genetic testing and preventative services they need before it’s too late. By empowering patients with this information, we can save lives, reduce health disparities, and lower costs to the healthcare system.”

 

“Early cancer detection can make a lifesaving difference – especially for patients with a family history,” said Schrier. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will give patients on Medicare the opportunity to access genetic testing for cancer risk so they can catch it and treat it early, when there is the best chance at recovery.”

This legislation will require coverage of guideline-recommended genetic testing for inherited mutations known to significantly increase cancer risk in two Medicare populations:

For Medicare beneficiaries who have an inherited mutation causing an increased risk of cancer, the bill will enable coverage of appropriate follow-up services: 

The full text of the bill can be found here, and a one-pager is available here. A full list of supporting organizations can be found here.

 

“We don't know why most people get cancer. However, genetic testing has proven to be a valuable tool in determining whether an individual is at an increased risk of developing the disease. Once identified, those at higher risk can take proactive steps, such as increased cancer screening to detect cancer earlier when it is easier and less expensive to treat, or risk-reducing surgery. For individuals with a specific personal or family history of cancer, genetic testing is the current standard of care. Commercial insurance plans and most Medicaid programs cover guideline-recommended genetic testing and the appropriate follow-up care. Medicare is the outlier in not covering these crucial services. The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act will provide Medicare beneficiaries with coverage, which is a win for patients and the Medicare program. By reducing the number of advanced-stage cancer diagnoses, we not only save lives but also lower healthcare costs,” said Lisa Schlager, Vice President of Public Policy at FORCE.

 

“Genetic testing for everyone with a known familial risk of cancer—followed by appropriate screening and risk-reducing interventions—saves lives and reduces costly treatments down the road,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers responsible for evidence-based, expert consensus-driven guidelines for genetic/familial risk reduction and other topics. “It is an honor to join with FORCE and other organizations to address this critical lapse in coverage. We are thankful to the bipartisan sponsors of the ‘Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act’ for taking action to ensure Medicare recipients have access to medically necessary care as patients with other types of insurance coverage.”

 

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