SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – A bill in the Illinois state Senate would make it easier for people to learn their risk of getting cancer through genetic testing.

The bipartisan legislation passed unanimously through the state Senate Insurance Committee on March 12. It now heads to the floor.

If it becomes law, insurance companies in Illinois would be required to cover genetic testing if the patient has a family history of cancer. Out-of-pocket costs would be capped at $50. Illinois Medicaid patients would also be covered with no out-of-pocket costs.

“This measure will increase early detection and improve prevention of all types of cancer. With this bill, we are moving the needle further in the right direction,” said state Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, the bill’s sponsor.

Doctors say genetic testing can be as simple as a blood or saliva test.

Copyright 2024 WGEM. All rights reserved.