Advocates urge interim study on Medicaid biomarker coverage after technical concerns

Advocates told the subcommittee that language in a bill to expand coverage of biomarker testing under the Medicaid program could inadvertently codify Medicaid's current discretion rather than broaden access to tests the groups want covered.

Jenny Horgan of the Alzheimer's Association said the coalition's goal was to expand access beyond current practice; she recommended an interim study so advocates and the department could reconcile statutory language with clinical and administrative realities.

Committee members probed whether the amendment correctly moved the new section into Medicaid statute and discussed penalties and compliance provisions. Members and the advocate agreed that a study would provide time to craft statutory language that achieves the bill's original intent.

The committee signaled support for interim study to provide additional time for negotiations and technical fixes.