2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P4.17F.06 Review of State Legislation Mandating Biomarker Coverage in Cancer Care

Pdf Summary

The review examines state legislation mandating coverage for biomarker testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlighting its crucial role in precision therapy and improved patient survival. Despite FDA approvals for therapies targeting biomarkers such as EGFR, ALK, and PD-L1, disparities in access exist, leading to varied patient outcomes. The study critically analyzes state-specific legislation enacted to address these disparities.<br /><br />As of March 2024, only 13 states, including California, New York, and Texas, have adopted laws mandating biomarker testing coverage. However, several states lack comprehensive measures, which creates accessibility gaps, especially concerning affordability. Without mandated affordable co-pays, insurers retain significant discretion over cost-sharing, potentially increasing disparities in access to these essential tests.<br /><br />Fifteen additional states are anticipated to propose legislation in 2024. These states include Colorado, New Jersey, and Washington. The study's methodology involved a detailed review of legislation from state government websites, focusing on coverage requirements, populations covered, and cost-related issues such as co-pays.<br /><br />The findings emphasize the urgent need to address these disparities by ensuring not only legislative coverage but also affordability to enhance access to biomarker testing. Mandating affordable co-pays alongside coverage requirements emerges as a vital step toward equitable access and improved outcomes for NSCLC patients.<br /><br />The review underscores significant disparities in coverage and stresses that legislative efforts alone might not suffice. Ensuring that biomarker testing is financially accessible to all patients is crucial in bridging the current gaps and optimizing cancer care outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Goetz Kloecker

Meta Tag

Speaker Goetz Kloecker

Topic Global Health, Health Services & Health Economics

Keywords

biomarker testing

NSCLC

state legislation

precision therapy

patient survival

access disparities

affordability

co-pays

cancer care

equitable access