Thank you for volunteering to sign your name to our letter urging support to have H.R. 2144/S. 1450, "Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2021", included in the End of Year Package! This letter will be sent to your Representative as well as your two Senators.
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October 27, 2022
Dear Representative ,
I/We support H.R. 2144, the “Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act” and ask that you co-sponsor this important bill. <if a cosponsor: I/We support H.R. 2144, the “Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act” thank you for being a co-sponsor. I/We ask that you speak to leadership and the committees of jurisdiction about your support for including this important legislation in an end of year legislative package.>
National guidelines recognize the value and importance of genetic counselor services for patients considering or receiving genetic testing. Unfortunately, in today’s Medicare program, beneficiaries face significant barriers in accessing genetic counselor services, as Medicare does not reimburse genetic counselors.
H.R. 2144 aligns with the Cancer Moonshot recommendations to add genetic counselors to the Medicare program. This would improve Medicare patient care as research demonstrates that when certified genetic counselors are part of the care team, they help ensure the right test is ordered for the right patient at the right time. This has resulted in reducing inappropriate genetic test orders and lowering overall healthcare costs.
As Congress considers legislation to enhance access to breakthrough, patient-focused treatments, it should include language providing direct Medicare reimbursement for the services of genetic counselors. If included in the end of year package, this initiative will result in high quality genetic services being delivered to Medicare patients.
With your help, we are hopeful that H.R. 2144 will be included in the end of year legislative package. There is incredible innovation in genetics today, and patients deserve access to providers who have specialized training and who can determine whether or not patients will benefit from genetic testing.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely
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October 27, 2022
Dear Representative ,
I/We support H.R. 2144, the “Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act” and ask that you co-sponsor this important bill. <if a cosponsor: I/We support H.R. 2144, the “Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act” thank you for being a co-sponsor. I/We ask that you speak to leadership and the committees of jurisdiction about your support for including this important legislation in an end of year legislative package.>
National guidelines recognize the value and importance of genetic counselor services for patients considering or receiving genetic testing. Unfortunately, in today’s Medicare program, beneficiaries face significant barriers in accessing genetic counselor services, as Medicare does not reimburse genetic counselors.
H.R. 2144 aligns with the Cancer Moonshot recommendations to add genetic counselors to the Medicare program. This would improve Medicare patient care as research demonstrates that when certified genetic counselors are part of the care team, they help ensure the right test is ordered for the right patient at the right time. This has resulted in reducing inappropriate genetic test orders and lowering overall healthcare costs.
As Congress considers legislation to enhance access to breakthrough, patient-focused treatments, it should include language providing direct Medicare reimbursement for the services of genetic counselors. If included in the end of year package, this initiative will result in high quality genetic services being delivered to Medicare patients.
With your help, we are hopeful that H.R. 2144 will be included in the end of year legislative package. There is incredible innovation in genetics today, and patients deserve access to providers who have specialized training and who can determine whether or not patients will benefit from genetic testing.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely