Cardin, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Expand Medicare Coverage for Families with History of Cancer Genes

Statement

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act, legislation which would expand Medicare to cover screening for hereditary cancer for individuals with a family history of hereditary cancer.

Harmful changes in some genes or variants are known to be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Research indicates that inherited variants may contribute to about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. Genetic testing can be used to determine whether family members have inherited a variant that is known to increase the risk of cancer.

"Early detection can be the difference between life and death with a cancer diagnosis," said Senator 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."

"Early cancer screening and diagnosis is critical to improving quality of life and survival rates. This legislation creates a path forward for greater testing and preventative surgeries--a real opportunity to help save lives," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "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. 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."

Source