COVERAGE OF PHARMACOGENOMIC TESTS AMONG MINNESOTA HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS

Author(s)

Fikru B, Salsabili M, Rivers Z, Jacobson P, Schondelmeyer SW
University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA

OBJECTIVES: To determine the type and level of insurance coverage, and identify specific pharmacogenomic tests that are covered or excluded from coverage by Minnesota health plans. Pharmacogenomics is a growing area that identifies an individual’s drug response based on their genetic profile and can aid in choosing the most appropriate treatment for an individual. METHODS: Major health plans in Minnesota were included in the study if they were listed under “Individual plans as licensed by the State of Minnesota” and were a member of the Minnesota Counsel of Health Plans. Once health plans were selected, a Google search was performed to identify specific coverage policies using key words “Pharmacogenomic Testing Policy”, “Pharmacogenetic Testing Policy”, “Genetic Testing Policy”, “Pharmacogenomics Coverage Policy”, “Pharmacogenetics Coverage Policy”, and “Genetics Coverage Policy”. The most recent coverage policies were reviewed and analyzed as of July 2015. RESULTS: Five health plans were selected for review and analysis. As of July 2015 the five plans provided coverage for an average of 12 different pharmacogenomic tests ranging from 4 to 24. Across all plans pharmacogenomic tests were covered for eight different disease categories.  Cancer had the highest number of covered pharmacogenomic and biomarker tests covered at a total of 20 different tests across the five plans. Four health plans provided coverage for non-cancer conditions with an overall coverage of eight different tests. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the common perception, some plans provided coverage for a vast range of pharmacogenomic tests, while others provided limited coverage. This review helped in identifying the growth and gaps in pharmacogenomic testing among major health plans in Minnesota.  To address the limitations of this study of using only publicly available online information, the next step is to directly contact the health plans and confirm their coverage policies.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2016-05, ISPOR 2016, Washington DC, USA

Value in Health, Vol. 19, No. 3 (May 2016)

Code

PHP191

Topic

Health Policy & Regulatory

Topic Subcategory

Coverage with Evidence Development & Adaptive Pathways, Pricing Policy & Schemes, Reimbursement & Access Policy

Disease

Multiple Diseases

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