Miller Hails House Passage of Measure Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Bone Marrow Testing

Legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Larry Miller (R-122) of Stratford that would require health insurance providers to cover bone marrow testing has now passed the state House of Representatives. 

Under the bill, a policy may limit coverage to one covered test in a person's lifetime and cannot impose a coinsurance, copayment, deductible, or other out-of-pocket expense for the testing that exceeds 20% of the cost for testing per year, unless it is a high-deductible policy designed to be compatible with federally qualified health savings accounts.

The bill also requires a policy to require bone marrow testing at a facility certified under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.  It limits coverage to people who sign up for the National Marrow Donor Program when being tested.

“The ability to get a properly screened bone marrow transplant is essentially the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Miller.  “Those with diseases which can be treated through bone marrow transplants that do not match have a 15%-30% survival rate.  This means a test to determine compatibility is essential.”

Miller noted that the bill would require bone marrow testing to be covered in much the same way blood testing is currently covered.  He also said that transplant patients who have an unsuccessful procedure will then likely enter into the far more expensive prospect of end-of-life care due to the low survival rate of those who have an imperfect donor match.  This makes the bill a life saver and a money saver.

The measure now heads to the State Senate for action there.  This session of the General Assembly adjourns at midnight, June 8.