Illinois Medicaid Covers Gene Tests for Breast, Ovarian Cancer

Posted by Sarah Rubenstein in Wall Street Journal Health Blog Illinois Medicaid is dipping its toes into the genetic-testing waters. The insurance program for the poor has decided to cover tests for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes that when altered, as the NIH explains, are risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer. Doctors participating in Illinois Medicaid can order the genetic test, the Chicago Tribune reports, and the state will also pay for genetic counseling for women considered at high risk of developing either type of cancer.