The proposed bill aims to enhance public health and welfare by mandating coverage for biomarker testing by health insurers and the medical assistance program in Nebraska, effective January 1, 2026. It defines key terms such as "biomarker," "biomarker testing," "consensus statements," and "nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines," establishing a framework for the implementation of these tests. The bill stipulates that biomarker testing must be supported by medical and scientific evidence, including FDA-approved tests and clinical guidelines, and requires insurers to limit disruptions in patient care, such as the need for multiple biopsies.
Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for prior authorization requests, mandating timely notifications for approvals or denials, and ensuring that patients and healthcare providers have access to a clear process for requesting exceptions to coverage policies. The medical assistance program is also required to cover biomarker testing under the same conditions, ensuring consistency in the availability of these services for recipients. Overall, the bill seeks to improve patient outcomes through better access to biomarker testing and streamlined processes for obtaining necessary approvals.