Help to get insurance to cover testing?
Ask-the-Expert Online Conference
- Question from Unnell: My insurance company has denied my request for BRCA testing, even though I have a family history (my mom and a first cousin on my maternal side). The out-of-pocket cost of the testing is over $3,000! Is there anything I can say or do that will make the insurance company cover my testing? Would you, if you were me, proceed with the testing regardless of the insurance company?
- Answers - Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. It's hard to answer your question without knowing all the details of your particular situation. Your decision to proceed with testing is really a personal one so what I would do is not that relevant. Have you worked with a genetic counselor who has helped you understand the requirements of your insurance company for coverage? The reason I say this is because sometimes counselors can write letters of medical necessity on your behalf to the companies to request coverage. Sometimes we're successful and sometimes we're not.
- Terri McHugh An alternative, if insurance does deny coverage after meeting with a genetic counselor, is to test a relative who has had cancer. That might be most beneficial.
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