Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) recently introduced the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, legislation which would allow for Medicare reimbursement to licensed genetic counselors for services which would otherwise be reimbursable if provided by a physician.
Genetic counselors have extensive training in identifying which tests are most appropriate for a particular patient, and how to interpret test results to best inform the patient’s plan of care. With a wide variety of tests available on the market, leveraging the knowledge and experience of a genetic counselor can save both patients and the taxpayer money by avoiding unnecessary testing and allowing physicians to focus their time on what they do best – treating patients.
“Expanded access to genetic counseling will improve the lives of seniors across the country” said Rep. Smith. “Rapidly advancing technology and ever-growing knowledge of the human genome and its relationship with our health means seniors will be able to identify risks and diseases even earlier, improving outcomes and lowering treatment costs.”
“Genetic counselors guide and support patients and their families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives with expertise and compassion, and are an integral part of the care team,” said Rep. Castor. “I am proud that the University of South Florida is home to the first and only Genetic Counseling Graduate Program in the State, preparing students with the technical knowledge and clinical expertise to treat our neighbors. The common-sense, cost-effective Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would help grow the genetic counseling profession and ensure our neighbors get the most accurate care.”
“Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers would be tremendously valuable in ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate, and high-quality care. Many cancers have a genetic component, and it is genetic counselors who provide the critical expertise and reassurance families need to understand testing options and familial risk. That is why Cancer Partners of Nebraska proudly supports the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, led by Congressman Adrian Smith and Congresswoman Kathy Castor, which will benefit countless seniors, including those here in Nebraska,” said Justin Rousek, PhD, MPH, MS, CEO at Cancer Partners of Nebraska.
“Genetic counselors are specifically trained to help patients understand complex test results, weigh options, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” said Deborah Cragun, PhD, MS, CGC, Director of USF Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. “Allowing Medicare to directly reimburse for services provided by genetic counselors is a practical step toward more equitable, person-centered genomic care. By supporting the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, Representative Castor is advancing a policy that improves access, supports high-quality care, and uses health-care dollars more wisely.”
“Genetic counselors serve as connectors to the personalized care that could make all the difference for Medicare patients and their families facing diseases like hereditary cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sara Pirzadeh-Miller, MS, CGC, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and a cancer genetic counselor in Texas. “We’re so grateful that Representatives Smith and Castor, plus many others in Congress, understand the tremendous value that genetic counselors offer for their constituents and America’s healthcare system.”