S 809 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to patient access to biomarker testing to provide appropriate therapy

SD 532 requires health insurers and government health plans to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases when supported by specific evidence, including FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS determinations. It directly affects patients enrolled in Commonwealth group insurance (e.g., state employees) and Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill mandates coverage without unnecessary disruptions (like multiple biopsies) and sets strict timelines: insurers must approve or deny prior authorization requests within 72 hours (24 hours for urgent cases), with requests deemed approved if no response is received. Patients and providers also gain access to clear processes for appealing coverage denials.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jan 29, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jun 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
upper
1 primary · 26 co-sponsors

Sponsors