Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act
Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act **What the bill would do:** This bill would require Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover advanced genetic cancer tests, including microarray analysis, DNA/RNA sequencing, and whole-exome sequencing. These tests help doctors identify the genetic makeup of a patient's cancer to guide treatment decisions.
The bill would also direct the Department of Health and Human Services to create educational programs for doctors and the public about genetic testing and the role of genetic counselors in cancer care. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects cancer patients covered by Medicare (seniors and some disabled individuals), Medicaid (low-income individuals), and CHIP (children and some families). It also impacts healthcare providers, genetic counselors, and insurance programs that would need to cover these tests. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act This bill provides for coverage of certain cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of microarray analysis, DNA and RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and other next-generation sequencing for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must establish an education and awareness program for physicians and the public about genomic testing and the role of genetic counselors.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.