The "Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act" expands healthcare coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to include comprehensive cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests, while also establishing an education program on genomic testing for both healthcare providers and the public.
Doris Matsui
Representative
CA-7
The "Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act" expands healthcare coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP to include comprehensive cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests, such as genomic sequencing, starting in 2027. It ensures coverage upon diagnosis, recurrence, and as needed for treatment planning. Additionally, the Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an education program to raise awareness among healthcare providers and the public about genomic testing and its applications in cancer care.
Finn Sawyer Act Promises Easier Cancer Testing, Starting 2027
The "Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act" significantly expands healthcare coverage for cancer diagnostics. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP will cover a range of cancer diagnostic and laboratory tests, including advanced genomic testing like DNA and RNA sequencing (SEC. 2).
Making Testing Routine
This bill makes getting tested for cancer a more standard part of healthcare. For Medicare, it covers tests when someone is first diagnosed, if cancer comes back, and anytime it's needed to figure out the best treatment. Medicare pays 80% of the cost, and you don't have to meet your deductible first. For Medicaid and CHIP, it means these tests are now a required part of what's covered, helping low-income families and pregnant women get access (SEC. 2).
Real-World Impact
Imagine a small business owner who finds a lump and needs a biopsy. Under this law, Medicare would cover that biopsy and advanced tests to pinpoint the cancer type and the best treatment, all without a deductible. Or consider a single mom on Medicaid – if she's at risk, these tests are covered, potentially catching cancer early when it's easier to treat. For a construction worker whose cancer returns, this means they can get re-tested to see if their treatment needs to change, covered by Medicare (SEC. 2).
Spreading the Word
The bill also sets up a program to teach both doctors and the public about genomic testing. Think of it as a nationwide crash course in how these tests work and why they matter. This is run by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, along with the National Human Genome Research Institute, aiming to make sure everyone understands the benefits of these tools (SEC. 3).
Potential Roadblocks
States might need to tweak their own laws to fit with the new Medicaid rules. While they won't be penalized for taking time to comply, it does mean some extra steps before everyone can benefit. There's also the challenge of making sure doctors use these tests wisely, and that labs bill for them fairly - the bill opens the door to better care, but real-world use will be key (SEC. 2).