MISSISSIPPI SENATE PASSES "JILL'S LAW," SENDING BIOMARKER TESTING COVERAGE BILL TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

The following information was released by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):

The Mississippi Senate passed "Jill's Law" House Bill 565 Wednesday, paving the way for increased access to biomarker testing for Mississippians with state-regulated health insurance plans. Biomarker testing is a key tool used by physicians to identify the most effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. Jill's Law ensures insurance coverage of biomarker testing keeps up with the latest science.

"In the case of a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing helps doctors develop a personalized treatment plan so some patients can access targeted treatments and avoid therapies that are unlikely to work for their individual disease. It can help save critical time in a cancer fight," said Kimberly Hughes, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Mississippi. "More than 18,000 Mississippians will hear the words 'you have cancer' this year. Everyone who can benefit from biomarker testing deserves access."

The legislation, known as Jill's Law, is named for Jill Eure, the late wife of Rep. Casey Eure (R- Harrison). Jill Eure benefited from biomarker testing after her cancer diagnosis.

"I'm so honored to see such strong, bipartisan support for this important legislation and to have it named in honor of my beloved wife, Jill," Rep. Casey Eure said. "I urge Gov. Reeves to quickly sign this into law so that more Mississippi families can have the gift of time with their loved ones."

Cancer survivor Ashleigh Parker of Olive Branch also advocated for the bill.

"My provider team knew biomarker testing was the first step we needed to take after my colon cancer diagnosis," Parker said. "Biomarker testing showed us chemotherapy was my best treatment path. It also caught my cancer recurrence. I am here today, nearly seven years after my diagnosis, because of biomarker testing."

The bill now goes to the Governor's desk, where he has the opportunity to sign it and increase access to care for Mississippians.

ACS CAN advocates and volunteers have worked hard this session to support passage of this bill, including at the annual Cancer Action Day at the Capitol in February.