Press Release

California Senator Monique Limón’s Legislation to Expand Health Insurance Coverage of Biomarker Testing Becomes Law

CA SB 496 took effect on July 1st thereby improving access for California residents to groundbreaking precision medicine technologies 

(SACRAMENTO) — California State Senator Monique Limón announced her legislation to expand access to biomarker testing, has become law. Senate Bill SB 496 was enacted to improve healthcare access and the affordability of personalized biomarker testing for current and future patients across the state with cancer and other illnesses by expanding health insurance coverage. 

“SB 496 is a step forward for equal access to lifesaving medical care and procedures,” said Senator Monique Limón. “By expanding access to biomarker testing, we are empowering patients and healthcare providers with the tools needed to choose the most effective treatment plans. This legislation not only promises to save lives but also demonstrates California’s commitment to equitable and innovative healthcare solutions.”

Benefits of SB 496

  • Expanding Access to Biomarker Testing: The requirement that all health insurance plans cover the costs of biomarker testing allows every patient to receive coverage for this advanced diagnostic tool, regardless of their financial circumstances.
  • Promoting Personalized Medicine to Improve Patient Outcomes: Biomarker testing identifies specific genetic mutations and molecular changes allowing for highly tailored treatment plans. In the area of oncology care specifically, biomarker testing can help clinicians determine whether a specific cancer treatment needs to be continued, altered or eliminated altogether. As a result, expanded access to biomarker testing is expected to help improve outcomes and quality of life for Californians.
  • Reducing Healthcare Costs: By helping to identify the efficacy of therapy and potentially prevent unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations, SB 496 is projected to lower overall healthcare costs. This will benefit both patients and the broader healthcare system at large.

Implementation and Public Awareness: 
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will oversee the implementation of SB 496. Health insurance providers must comply with the new coverage requirements by July 1, 2024. Additionally, DHCS will launch an educational campaign to inform healthcare professionals and the public about the new benefits available under this law.

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Monique Limón represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and as Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee.