Health Insurers Will Be Required To Cover Cancer Testing In RI

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee on Friday signed a bill into law requiring private health insurers to cover biomarker testing.

Biomarker testing is a test of blood or other biological material to identify changes or abnormalities that may be associated with cancer. It can also help a cancer patient’s medical team pinpoint the most effective course of treatment for that patient.

"Biomarker testing can save lives. It can help doctors identify treatment that is faster, more effective and less painful, and can ultimately save treatment dollars," said state Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, who sponsored the bill with state Rep. Mia Ackerman. "All insurers should embrace this technology. Biomarker testing allows doctors to make full use the cancer research and treatment experience that is available. Patients deserve that benefit, and the hope that comes with it."

The legislation (2022-S 2201A, 2022-H 7587A ), which was approved by the General Assembly June 22, will require every policy offered by health insurers, nonprofit hospital service corporations, nonprofit medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations to provide coverage for biomarker testing by Jan. 1, 2024.

"Biomarker technology allows doctors to pinpoint treatment that has the best possibility for success for an individual patient," Ackerman said. "It saves lives, time and money, and it’s an important advantage in the fight against cancer. Covering it just makes good sense for insurers and patients alike."