Medicaid to Pick Up Tab for Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

By Ali Trachta in News on Oct 14, 2008 6:10PM

Considering October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now seems as good a time as any for Illinois' Medicaid program to begin covering genetic testing for the breast cancer gene. The test detects mutations of the BRCA gene, which often play a role in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. This test is one of the earliest forms of detection, giving women the ability to know they are at a higher risk for developing the disease before any symptoms appear. Per the Trib:

Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich, who pushed for the new Medicaid coverage, said in a statement: "It is important to me that we protect our daughters from hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer by identifying it as early as possible."

"For women who do not have a lot of resources, this will save lives," predicted Nancy Amicangelo, executive director of Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

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