Senate committee rejects bill that would remove cost-sharing for clinician-recommended genetic tests

A Senate Insurance & Commerce committee debated legislation that would require insurers to provide genetic testing without cost-sharing when the test is recommended by a licensed clinician. The committee adopted an amendment that removed a broad definition of "health care professional" and limited ordering authority to tests "recommended by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse." Senator Lehi, who presented the measure, said the change responded to committee concerns and added that updated panel tests would be allowed "as recommended by clinical practice guidelines."

Max Greenwood of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield told the panel that "we pay for genetic testing" under current policies and warned the bill was broader than proponents described. Greenwood said the bill "requires any physician — we're talking dermatologist, podiatrist — they can order genetic testing under this bill" and highlighted that the proposal would remove cost sharing. He added that the carve-outs in the bill for certain groups meant the change would mostly affect small employers and individuals who buy their own insurance and predicted the change "will increase premiums."

Committee members pressed the sponsor and insurer witnesses on whether testing of children is covered, whether the proposal would waive deductibles and whether the sponsor had considered narrowing ordering authority to oncology specialists. The sponsor said removing cost sharing was intentional to avoid financial barriers and cited a letter from a breast‑center medical director describing genetic testing as "one of the most powerful developments" in her practice.

After discussion and a roll-call, the committee considered a motion to pass the bill as amended and ultimately announced the measure had failed in committee. The record shows the amendment was adopted earlier in the hearing but the bill did not receive committee approval.