Dear [LEGISLATOR NAME],
As your constituent, I urge you to support H. 1227 and S. 809, legislation that would expand access to biomarker testing and improve patient lives.
Biomarking testing allows doctors to learn more about a patient's specific disease, particularly for cancer care and for the treatment of chronic and debilitating conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and more.
Biomarker testing can not only save lives and improve a patient's quality of life, but also potentially reduce health care costs by identifying the most effective treatment option for an individual patient. By avoiding treatments that might be ineffective or lead to negative side effects, patients can avoid unnecessary suffering and expedite their path to remission.
Unfortunately, insurance coverage for biomarker testing is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatment. Many patients are unable to access biomarker testing due to high out-of-pocket costs or lack of appropriate insurance coverage. Marginalized communities – including communities of color, with lower socioeconomic status, and in rural areas – are further burdened by existing barriers to care, and even less likely to receive biomarker testing.
I urge you to support H. 1227 and S. 809 to improve access to biomarker testing for Massachusetts patients.
Thank you,
[your name]
