Pennsylvania State Senator Seeks to Expand Coverage for BRCA Gene Mutation Testing

A personal experience with breast cancer led Pennsylvania Sen. Kim Ward to write legislation that she hopes other states will adopt.
Senate Bill 8 eliminates all costs associated with breast cancer-related genetic testing and counseling, and breast MRI and ultrasounds for Pennsylvanians with high-risk conditions like dense breast tissue, personal history of breast cancer, family history, genetic predisposition, or prior radiation therapy.
The legislation would eliminate co-pays for the test that searches for the BRCA gene mutations, an indicator of an elevated risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
“This is not a red or blue issue. It is a pink issue,” Ward said in a statement, adding that other states should follow because “Early detection saves lives.” A Republican, Ward was the first woman in Pennsylvania to serve as Senate Majority Leader previously, and she’s currently Senate President Pro Tempore….}