Bill > HB1062

This bill mandates that health carriers, public employee health plans, and the state medical assistance authority provide coverage for biomarker testing starting January 1, 2026. Biomarker testing, which involves analyzing a patient's tissue, blood, or other biospecimen to detect characteristics that indicate biological processes or responses to medical treatments, must be covered when the test is supported by scientific evidence from sources such as FDA-approved test indications, Medicare coverage determinations, clinical practice guidelines, or consensus statements. The bill defines a biomarker as an objectively measurable indicator of biological processes, which can include gene mutations or protein expression, and requires that the testing be covered for purposes of diagnosis, treatment, management, or monitoring of a patient's condition. Health carriers must ensure the testing is performed in a way that minimizes disruptions to patient care, such as reducing the need for multiple biopsies or biospecimen samples. The bill applies to health plans issued or renewed after the specified date and covers various types of biomarker testing, including single-analyte tests, multiplex panel tests, and whole genome sequencing.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1062&Year=2025&Initiative=false