NC LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS WITH FOCUS ON CANCER POLICY ACS CAN URGES LAWMAKERS TO PASS HOUSE BILL 567 FOR BIOMARKER TESTING COVERAGE

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

As North Carolina lawmakers begin the 2026 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges them to prioritize HB567, legislation that will ease the burden of cancer on North Carolinians by increasing access to biomarker testing for those with state-regulated health insurance plans. In the case of a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing may help doctors determine the right treatment plan, saving some patients from treatments that may not work and waste valuable time.

"We are proud to fight to make sure more North Carolinians can achieve the best chance to survive cancer by opening the door to the latest advances in targeted treatments," said John Broome, government relations director for ACS CAN in North Carolina. "Biomarker testing often improves outcomes and quality of life while helping patients avoid costly, time-consuming and ineffective treatments."

Biomarker testing also helps with diagnosis and management of other diseases, including Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis and rare diseases. Elizabeth Civils's daughter Katie, 3, has a rare long chain fatty acid oxidation disorder called LCHAD deficiency.

"Biomarker testing has been an essential tool in Katie's diagnosis and treatment for a rare disease," Civils said. "Without careful management, regular medication and close monitoring, Katie faces life-threatening consequences. No patient who could benefit from biomarker testing should ever be denied access."

HB567 was introduced during the 2025 legislative session, with Reps. Diane Wheatley, Howard Penny, Jr., Grant Campbell, M.D. and Ben Moss, Jr. serving as sponsors.

North Carolina could become the 24th state to pass biomarker testing legislation aligning state-regulated insurance coverage with scientific and medical evidence, joining states like Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia.