Biomarker testing is crucial to precision medicine, but barriers still exist. Learn from two healthcare advocates about recent policy changes designed to ensure better access to biomarker testing.
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Biomarker testing is an important part of precision medicine; however, many commercial health plans and state Medicaid programs lack adequate coverage, which can have life-threatening consequences for patients with cancer who could benefit from biomarker testing.
Some good news: health insurance coverage advocates have seen “wins” in three states in 2021: California, Illinois, and Louisiana. In this episode, we spoke with two healthcare advocates who explore these recent policy changes as it relates to biomarker testing. Tune in to find out what these legislative changes mean for your program or practice—and discover approaches to advise policymakers in your state on biomarker testing.
Hilary Gee Goeckner, MSW
Senior State & Local Campaign Manager, Medicaid
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
“Not all communities are benefiting from the latest advances in biomarker testing and precision medicine, and unfortunately, because there are already such big disparities in cancer outcomes based on race, and income, and geography…if we don't take policy action like, expanding coverage of biomarker testing, those disparities, that are already unacceptable, could become even larger…"
Kristen Santiago, MS
Senior Director of Public Policy Initiatives
LUNGevity Foundation
“Biomarker testing saves lives. We work with many patients who are alive today, literally, because of biomarker testing. So whatever we can do to make sure that all patients—regardless of where you live and insurance status—have access together, we can work together, and make that happen."
To learn more about this education program, please visit the BiomarkerLIVE webpage. This project is supported by AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Lilly Oncology, and Merck & Co., Inc. Phase one of this project was supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
