Congratulations to #California - as of 7/1/24, #pharmacgenomics testing is now covered by Medi-Cal and commercial insurance!
As of today, evidence-based #pharmacogenomics testing is now covered by Medi-Cal (AB425) and commercial insurers (SB496) in the state of #California, aligning with Medicare coverage in place since 2020. After years of work, I want to stop and celebrate this win that will help curb the annual loss of 33,000 lives and 62 billion dollar spend due to non-optimized medications in the state. This would not have happened without the leadership of Assemblymember Alvarez, the tireless efforts of his legislative assistant Cynthia Yepez, and countless meetings with other California legislators coordinated by Chantelle Schenning, PhD, MHA, Megan Boyd, MA, CAPM and Michael Hawkins. This would not have happened without outreach to Alvarez by a brave young girl and her Mother looking to improve access for others when #pgx testing resulted in resolution of her #depression symptoms after numerous failed medications. This would not have happened without live testimony from Christine Von Raesfeld 💜on the impact pharmacogenomic testing had in improving her quality of life or Bani Tamraz, Pharm.D., Ph.D. on the science and clinical and financial benefits of testing. This would not have happened without companies and individuals reaching out to their legislators to voice their support for the legislation. I am grateful that so many more patients can now access personalized care, but the work is not over until similar efforts move forward in every state and nationally. Please see where your state stands in moving biomarker legislation forward and join the efforts if needed - https://lnkd.in/gwgcHA8Q. And support national efforts to reduce adverse drug events by asking your Congressional representatives to support the Right Drug Dose Now Act of 2024 - https://lnkd.in/dAf--N7p.