U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding Medicare coverage for genetic counseling services. The legislation, known as the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, seeks to improve access to these services for seniors across the country.
Genetic counselors are licensed professionals who assist patients in understanding inherited health risks and interpreting genetic test results. Their guidance helps patients and doctors make informed care decisions, personalize treatment plans, and detect diseases earlier and more accurately.
Currently, Medicare does not directly reimburse genetic counselors for their services, even though other health care providers offering similar services are covered. This has created a gap in coverage that particularly affects rural communities and can result in longer wait times for patients.
Senator Barrasso stated, “Coverage for genetic counseling can be life-saving for many patients – especially those facing a cancer diagnosis. By increasing access to these critical services, genetic counselors can help doctors provide clear treatment plans for patients in a timely manner. Our bill will ensure patients in Wyoming and across the country can access the high-quality, life-saving care they deserve as quickly as possible.”
Senator Welch commented on the impact in Vermont: “Genetic testing and counseling play an essential role in helping Vermonters and their families better understand their health. That includes helping cancer patients access personalized medicine to ensure they get the best possible care. But these services are few and far between in Vermont, leaving rural communities and patients behind. I’m proud to join Senator Barrasso in the fight to ensure every patient has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health care.”
Senator Capito highlighted the importance of reducing barriers: “Genetic counseling plays an important role in modern medicine, particularly for patients facing serious or inherited health conditions. By recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers, this bipartisan legislation will help reduce barriers to care, shorten wait times, and expand access to these critical services—especially for seniors in rural states like West Virginia.”
Senator Rosen added her support: “Genetic counselors help patients figure out what type of care is best for them, often in life-saving situations. This bipartisan bill will make sure they can provide that care for as many patients as possible. I’ll keep working to provide quality, affordable health care for Nevada families.”
Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, president-elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors said: “As a genetic counselor, I know how Medicare beneficiaries face unnecessary barriers to accessing the care they need. Our expertise goes far beyond interpreting test results – we help patients understand complex diagnoses, support informed decision-making, and provide compassionate counseling during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. These conversations empower patients, improve health outcomes, strengthen adherence to recommended treatments, and ultimately help reduce overall health care costs. Recognizing genetic counselors as Medicare providers is a critical step toward ensuring that every patient can access the comprehensive support they deserve.”
Allison Weisman, MS, CGC, Pediatric Genetic Counselor from Wyoming shared her experience: “As a Wyoming resident of four years and a pediatric genetic counselor, I am unable to practice in my own state because our current system makes billing and reimbursement nearly impossible—leaving Wyoming with no genetics providers and forcing families to travel hundreds of miles for essential care. I personally know families who have had to move away from Wyoming because they couldn’t access necessary medical and genetics services for their children with complex health needs, while others can only stay because they can afford the cost of travel. The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would be transformative for both me and the state of Wyoming, allowing me to advocate for a local position and finally provide in-state care to the families who need it most.”
The full text of the legislation is available online.
