# Plain Language Summary: Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

This bill makes sure that Medicare and Medicaid will cover advanced genetic testing for people diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, it covers tests like DNA sequencing and genetic analysis that help doctors understand the specific mutations in a patient's cancer. These tests are important because they can help doctors choose the most effective treatment for each individual's cancer. Right now, these tests aren't always covered by Medicare and Medicaid, which means patients sometimes have to pay out of pocket or go without them.

Here's what changes for patients: Starting in 2027, if you have Medicare or Medicaid and are diagnosed with cancer, your insurance will cover these genetic tests without you having to meet your deductible first. You can get one test when you're first diagnosed, another one if your cancer comes back, and additional tests as needed to monitor how your cancer is responding to treatment. The bill limits how often these tests can be done to prevent unnecessary repeat testing, but it ensures they're available when medically necessary. For Medicare patients, you'll pay 20 percent of the cost (or nothing if your doctor accepts Medicare's payment rate), similar to how other lab tests work.

The bill also requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover the explanation and interpretation of these test results, not just the tests themselves. Additionally, it directs the federal government to launch an education program to help doctors and the public understand what these genetic tests are, how they work, and why they matter for cancer treatment. This is particularly important for oncologists and other specialists who need to know when and how to use these tests effectively.

Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

Matsui, Doris O.

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.