As genetic testing becomes increasingly important to healthcare delivery, now more than ever, it is critical that all Americans have independent genetic counselors to support and guide their health decisions.

Because independent genetic counselors are not beholden to big corporate interests, they are the most qualified providers to guide individuals through the genetic testing process. Despite this, Medicare does not reimburse for genetic counseling services provided by genetic counselors. The lack of reimbursement creates barriers to care for many Americans who could benefit from this vital health resource and contributes to much of the waste, fraud, and abuse happening in the area of genetic testing.

When told that genetic counseling is not covered by Medicare, many Americans who seek to make informed health decisions unknowingly fall victim to unprofessional and unethical genetic testing schemes by predatory genetic testing companies. Medicare law needs to be updated now to provide beneficiaries direct access to the services of genetic counselors, the health care providers most qualified to provide genetic counseling.  

S. 1450 Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2021 aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act of 1965 to address these fundamental facts about genetic healthcare:

• Genetic technology improves health outcomes for Americans.

• Access to qualified expertise is essential to navigating genetic testing and health.

• Medicare recognition is the single most important action to ensure people have access to independent genetic counseling.

Your support of this crucial legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries greater access to genetic counselors and ensure we maintain independent genetic counselors whose service is not dependent on the testing companies' bottom line.

Now is the time to safeguard our access to accurate, unbiased genetic healthcare.

Lawmakers respond to personal stories. Feel free to share your own in your message. Thank you so much for taking action to help ensure we all have access to the genetic counseling services we deserve.

Click "Start Writing" to urge your lawmakers to stand up for our right to independent genetic counseling services.