Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires health plan and Medicaid coverage of biomarker testing in Ohio.

Highlights:

• Requires state health plans and Medicaid provide coverage of biomarker testing in Ohio (Sec. 1).

• Defines “biomarker” as a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to specific therapeutic intervention, including known gene-drug interactions for drugs being considered for use or already available for use including but not limited to, 

• Gene mutations;

• Characteristics of genes; or 

• Protein expression.

• Defines “biomarker testing” as the analysis of tissue, blood, or another biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker, including, but not limited to (Sec. ):

• Single-analyte tests;

• Multiplex panel tests;

• Protein expression; and 

• Whole exome, whole genome, and whole transcriptome sequencing.

• Prohibits anything in this bill from being construed to require coverage of biomarker testing for screening purposes (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text