State Public Policy Initiatives
FORCE is engaged in a variety of state legislative initiatives—affordable access to genetic testing, high-risk “supplemental” cancer screenings, fertility treatments and cancer therapies, banning genetic discrimination, etc.—representing the unique needs of individuals with or at risk of hereditary cancer.
Note: The 2025 state legislative sessions are just beginning. Policy efforts will be added as they emerge.
Genetic counselor licensure
Legslation will facilitate state licensure of genetic counselors by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).
High-risk breast screenings and diagnostic tests
HB1061 will require that health insurers cover medically appropriate breast screenings (breast mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds) for women at increased risk of breast cancer and diagnostic services with no patient cost-sharing.
Protections against genetic discrimination
Legislation will prohibit life, long-term care and disability insurers from using genetic information when considering benefits, fees or coverage determinations.
Fertility preservation
Legislation will facilitate Medicaid and private/commercial insurance coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including medically appropriate fertility preservation and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Genetic Testing
SB406 will require health insurers to cover genetic counseling and testing with no patient cost-sharing.
High-risk breast screenings and diagnostic tests
Bill will expand and improve current statutes, requiring private/commercial health insurers to cover breast screenings (breast MRIs, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds) for individuals with a family history of cancer or additional factors that may increase their cancer risk with no cost-sharing for the patient.
Genetic counselor licensure
A183 will establish a state board for genetic counseling and licensure of genetic counselors.
Genetic testing
S520 will ensure ovarian cancer survivors have insurance coverage for medically necessary coverage of genetic and biomarker testing.
Protections against genetic discrimination
Legislation will prohibit life, long-term care and disability insurers from using genetic information when considering benefits, fees or coverage determinations.
Genetic testing and associated cancer screenings
SB109 will require health insurers to cover genetic testing and evidence-based cancer screenings for individuals at increased cancer risk with no patient cost-sharing.
Protections against genetic discrimination
H2357 will prohibit life, long-term care and disability insurers from using genetic information when considering benefits, fees or coverage determinations.
Fertility Services
SB333 will require Medicaid coverage of fertility preservation for individuals diagnosed with cancer who need treatment that may cause a substantial risk of infertility.
High-risk breast screenings and diagnostic tests
HB230 will require private/commercial health insurers to cover breast screenings (breast MRIs, diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds) with no patient cost-sharing for individuals with a family history of cancer or who have additional factors that may increase their cancer risk.