Tennessee Bill to Expand Biomarker Testing Coverage Delayed

Committee runs out of time before bill can be discussed

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A bill that would require insurance companies and TennCare to cover biomarker testing in Tennessee was delayed after the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee ran out of time to discuss it. Patients, advocates, and families had come prepared to testify about the importance of biomarker testing in determining effective cancer treatments, but were unable to do so.

Why it matters

Biomarker testing is becoming a crucial part of modern cancer treatment, as it can help doctors determine the most effective therapies based on a patient's tumor genetics. However, the tests can be expensive, making them inaccessible for many patients without insurance coverage.

The details

The proposed bill, Senate Bill 435, would have required insurers and TennCare to cover biomarker testing for health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. State analysts estimate the proposal could cost about $2.9 million annually, with insurance premiums expected to rise less than one percent. Supporters argue the testing is worth the cost, as it can lead to more effective, life-saving treatments.

  • The bill was scheduled to be discussed by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Tuesday afternoon.
  • The committee ran out of time before the bill could be taken up for discussion.

The players

Beth Madison

A 57-year-old breast cancer patient from Jackson, Tennessee, who traveled to the Capitol to testify about the importance of biomarker testing in her treatment.

Senate Bill 435

The proposed legislation that would require insurance companies and TennCare to cover biomarker testing in Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“These biomarker tests are beyond what a regular patient can afford. They are very expensive, but they are worth the money in terms of proactive treatment.”

— Beth Madison, Breast cancer patient (WKRN)

“When you have a tumor that has doubled in size in less than two weeks, which is what happened with me, that was very important in terms of treatment, having that immediately.”

— Beth Madison, Breast cancer patient (WKRN)

What’s next

The bill remains in legislative limbo, and it is unclear when it will be taken up for discussion again by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.

The takeaway

This delay highlights the ongoing challenges patients face in accessing crucial biomarker testing, which can be a matter of life and death for those with cancer. The proposed legislation aimed to address this issue, but its fate remains uncertain, leaving many patients and advocates concerned about the future of cancer care in Tennessee.