COLUMN: Kirkpatrick: Georgia Expands Access to Personalized Testing Coverage

By: Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta)

In May 2023, Governor Kemp signed into law House Bill 85. As the Senate carrier of this bipartisan legislation, I am proud that this law now requires health insurers in Georgia to cover biomarker testing.

Biomarker testing is an innovative technique that examines patients' underlying biology to better understand and diagnose a disease, often prior to the onset of the most severe symptoms. These tests can help monitor disease progression or assist in identifying a person's response to a specific treatment.

Biomarker testing is not new. Millions of people with cancer have already benefitted from these tests, and their use is expanding beyond oncology. The FDA recently approved a biomarker blood test for Alzheimer's disease, a breakthrough in the early identification of this progressive neurological disease.

Despite this law being in effect for more than two years, I often find that Georgians who stand to benefit most from this coverage are simply unaware of biomarker testing, its benefits, or the state law that provides coverage for this powerful tool in treating long-term diseases.

This is why it is so important for all Georgians, including clinicians, community leaders, and caregivers of those living with degenerative diseases, to spread the word. Everyone needs to understand that biomarker testing is now a covered benefit under health plans across the state of Georgia.

Ensuring that awareness is high and coverage is consistent is vital in implementing the goals of the legislation. We cannot rest on our laurels. We must familiarize ourselves and others with this life-changing-and often lifesaving-tool.

I am proud to serve my constituents in the Georgia State Senate as Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. I am equally proud to care for and protect my patients. Each of these experiences guide my policymaking as I work to enact legislation that increases health care access and improves choices for Georgians.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents the 32^nd Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. She may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0508 or by email at [email protected].

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