WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), alongside Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), reintroduced the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services and improve access for seniors and rural communities nationwide. The Senators’ legislation would establish Medicare coverage of genetic counseling services furnished by licensed or certified genetic counselors and reimburse providers for their lifesaving work.
Genetic counselors are licensed health care professionals who help patients understand inherited health risks and interpret genetic test results. There are nearly 7,000 certified genetic counselors in the United States, and the workforce continues to grow. This guidance can help patients and their doctors make informed care decisions, personalize treatment plans, and support earlier and more accurate disease detection.
“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,” said Senator Welch. “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.”
“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,” said Senator Barrasso. “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.”
“Genetic counselors help patients figure out what type of care is best for them, often in life-saving situations,” said Senator Rosen. “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.”
“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,” said Senator Capito.
The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2026 is endorsed by the University of Vermont Health Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
“This bill would help us better serve many patients in our cancer genetics program at University of Vermont Health, as well as in other clinical areas of our health system. That’s because access to the latest genomic information at the time of a cancer diagnosis can positively impact treatment plans, help identify future cancer risks and benefit family members. Genetic counselors play a key role in providing access to this important information. Many patients who receive cancer diagnoses are covered by Medicare, and not having access to genetic counselors creates significant barriers to accessing critical health information for those patients. I am grateful that Senator Peter Welch supports this effort to help Medicare patients have access to genetic counselors so they can receive the necessary genomic information for their health care,” said Wendy McKinnon, Lead Cancer Genetic Counselor, UVM Health in the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program.
“As a genetic counselor, I know how Medicare beneficiaries face unnecessary barriers to accessing the care they need,” said Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC, President-Elect, National Society of Genetic Counselors. “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 serve.”
This Congress, Senator Welch has led the introduction of several bills to make health care more accessible and affordable for Vermonters, including the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support (PATIENTS) Act, Eliminating Thickets to Improve Competition (ETHIC) Act, Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency (MORE) Savings Act, Share the Savings with Seniors Act, Comprehensive Alternative Response to Emergencies (CARE) Act, Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, Social Security Emergency Expansion Act, Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act, End Price Gouging for Medications Act, Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act, Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, Fair Funding for Rural Hospitals Act, Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act, and the Rural Hospital Support Act.
Read and download the full text of the bill.
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