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HD 2335

An Act relative to patient access to biomarker testing to provide appropriate therapy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 31 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requires health insurers to cover biomarker testing for cancer patients to enable personalized treatment selection based on tumor genetics.

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Bill Summary · HD 2335

Legislative bill overview

HD 2335 requires health insurers in Massachusetts to cover biomarker testing that helps oncologists select targeted cancer treatments for individual patients. The bill aims to ensure patients can access genetic and molecular tests that identify specific cancer characteristics, enabling personalized treatment selection rather than one-size-fits-all chemotherapy.

Why is this important

Biomarker testing can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes by matching patients to therapies most likely to work for their specific tumor type, potentially reducing unnecessary side effects and improving survival rates. However, these tests are expensive and sometimes denied by insurers, creating barriers between patients and potentially life-saving personalized medicine options.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Expanded insurance coverage for biomarker testing increases healthcare costs, which may be passed to consumers through higher premiums or reduced coverage elsewhere
  • Medical necessity standards: Defining which biomarker tests are medically necessary versus experimental or redundant could lead to disputes between insurers, providers, and patients
  • Insurer profitability concerns: Insurance companies may resist mandates that increase claims payments, potentially lobbying against the requirement or seeking to narrow its scope

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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