WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) recently introduced bipartisan legislation, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, to expand Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services and improve access for seniors nationwide.

Genetic counselors are licensed health care professionals who help patients understand inherited health risks and interpret genetic test results. This guidance can help patients and their doctors make informed care decisions, personalize treatment plans, and support earlier and more accurate disease detection.

The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would allow Medicare to cover genetic counseling services furnished by genetic counselors. Currently, genetic counselors are not directly reimbursed by Medicare for their services, even though the same services are covered when provided by other health care providers. This gap in coverage limits access, particularly in rural communities, and leads to unnecessary wait times for patients.

"Coverage for genetic counseling can be life-saving for many patients - especially those facing a cancer diagnosis. By increasing access to these critical services, genetic counselors can help doctors provide clear treatment plans for patients in a timely manner," said Senator Barrasso. "Our bill will ensure patients in Wyoming and across the country can access the high-quality, life-saving care they deserve as quickly as possible."

"Genetic testing and counseling play an essential role in helping Vermonters and their families better understand their health. That includes helping cancer patients access personalized medicine to ensure they get the best possible care. But these services are few and far between in Vermont, leaving rural communities and patients behind," said Senator Welch. "I'm proud to join Senator Barrasso in the fight to ensure every patient has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health care."

"Genetic counseling plays an important role in modern medicine, particularly for patients facing serious or inherited health conditions. By recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers, this bipartisan legislation will help reduce barriers to care, shorten wait times, and expand access to these critical services-especially for seniors in rural states like West Virginia," said Senator Capito.

"Genetic counselors help patients figure out what type of care is best for them, often in life-saving situations," said Senator Rosen. "This bipartisan bill will make sure they can provide that care for as many patients as possible. I'll keep working to provide quality, affordable health care for Nevada families."

"As a genetic counselor, I know how Medicare beneficiaries face unnecessary barriers to accessing the care they need," said Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, president-elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. "Our expertise goes far beyond interpreting test results - we help patients understand complex diagnoses, support informed decision-making, and provide compassionate counseling during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. These conversations empower patients, improve health outcomes, strengthen adherence to recommended treatments, and ultimately help reduce overall health care costs. Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers is a critical step toward ensuring that every patient can access the comprehensive support they deserve."

"As a Wyoming resident of four years and a pediatric genetic counselor, I am unable to practice in my own state because our current system makes billing and reimbursement nearly impossible-leaving Wyoming with no genetics providers and forcing families to travel hundreds of miles for essential care," said Allison Weisman, MS, CGC, Pediatric Genetic Counselor. "I personally know families who have had to move away from Wyoming because they couldn't access necessary medical and genetics services for their children with complex health needs, while others can only stay because they can afford the cost of travel. The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would be transformative for both me and the state of Wyoming, allowing me to advocate for a local position and finally provide in-state care to the families who need it most."

Background:

• Genetic counselors are health care professionals trained in genetics, counseling, and clinical care, and are licensed or certified at the state level.
• There are nearly 7,000 certified genetic counselors in the United States, and the workforce continues to grow.
• Under current Medicare policy, genetic counselors are not recognized as Medicare providers and cannot be reimbursed directly for their services.
• This legislation establishes Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services furnished by licensed or certified genetic counselors.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

###