Finn Sawyer Access to Cancer Testing Act

This bill would require health programs to cover key cancer tests that look at a tumor’s genes. People diagnosed with cancer could get tests like microarray analysis, DNA or RNA sequencing, and whole‑exome sequencing. Coverage would include explaining and interpreting the results, not just running the test. Tests could be done once at diagnosis, once if the cancer comes back, and as needed to plan treatment or track how well treatment is working.

It would start these changes on different timelines. Medicare coverage would begin 6 months after the bill becomes law, and the Medicare deductible would not apply to these tests. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) would begin covering these tests on January 1, 2027, including for children and, if the state elects it, pregnancy‑related care for low‑income pregnant women under CHIP. The bill also directs federal health agencies to run an education and awareness program so doctors and the public understand genomic testing and the role of genetic counselors, including adding this topic to medical training.

• Who is affected: People with cancer on Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP; doctors and genetic counselors.
• What changes: Required coverage of certain cancer genetic tests, including result interpretation; limits on how often the same test is covered; no Medicare deductible for these tests; education for clinicians and the public on genomic testing.
• When: Medicare—6 months after enactment; Medicaid and CHIP—January 1, 2027.