The proposed bill seeks to improve patient access to biomarker testing, which is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various diseases. It introduces new definitions for "biomarker" and "biomarker testing" across several chapters of the General Laws, including Chapter 32A, Chapter 118E, Chapter 175, Chapter 176A, and Chapter 176B. The bill mandates that coverage for biomarker testing be provided to active or retired employees of the commonwealth, Medicaid enrollees, and individuals under various insurance policies, ensuring that these tests are backed by medical and scientific evidence, including FDA approvals and recognized clinical guidelines.

Furthermore, the bill amends Chapter 176G of the General Laws to require coverage for biomarker testing in health maintenance contracts, specifying that such coverage must be available for diagnosis, treatment, management, or monitoring of an enrollee's condition, contingent upon the tests being supported by appropriate evidence. It establishes strict timelines for prior authorization requests, requiring health carriers to respond within 72 hours, or 24 hours in cases of significant health risk, with automatic approval if no response is given. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of accessible processes for patients and healthcare providers to request exceptions to coverage policies, ensuring these processes are easily navigable on insurance carriers' websites.