TRENTON – Acting Governor Tahesha Way on April 23rd, signed legislation requiring State-regulated health insurers to cover biomarker testing, putting this form of diagnostic testing in reach for more New Jerseyans.

Biomarker testing analyzes an individual’s unique biological indicators to provide insights into their health status or risk of certain diseases like cancer. Biomarkers can inform certain treatment plans, making this form of testing a critical step to applying precision medicine and targeted therapies that can improve health outcomes and provide for better quality of life.

“We are continuing to advance our mission to make high-quality health care more affordable and accessible in New Jersey. By eliminating barriers to accessing biomarker testing, we are making it easier for families in our state to access personalized treatment plans,” said Acting Governor Way. “For someone battling life-altering and potentially fatal diseases like cancer, having this testing covered by insurance could make a world of difference in their treatment plan.”

Under the bill, state-regulated health insurance providers, Medicaid, and the SHBP and SEHBP are required to provide coverage for biomarker testing for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, appropriate management, or ongoing monitoring of an individual’s disease or condition when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence.

“Biomarker precision medical testing helps guide health professionals with more detailed information to diagnose or provide targeted treatment options for diseases, which can lead to improved health outcomes,” said New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “With this law, New Jersey is increasing accessibility and affordability of this tool that can open the door to more effective care.”

Primary sponsors of the legislation (A-4163/S-3098) include Senators Vin Gopal and Troy Singleton and Assembly Members Shavonda Sumter, Gary Schaer, and Shama Haider.

"With this bill now law, we are removing a major obstacle to care and providing New Jersey patients access to essential, evidence-based biomarker testing," said Senator Vin Gopal. "No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial struggles. This law will save lives, improve outcomes, and ultimately lower healthcare costs for families across the state."

"Acting Governor Way’s signature of this legislation will add our state to the dozens of states that have expanded insurance coverage for this important form of testing," said Senator Troy Singleton. "Through this law, both the identification and treatment of cancers will be improved, ensuring New Jerseyans have access to the most effective healthcare possible and saving lives."

“Everyone deserves access to high-quality medical care, without being held back by financial barriers,” said Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter. “This legislation is transformational. By requiring health insurers to cover biomarker testing, we are not only breaking down long-standing barriers to care but also giving patients access to potentially life-saving information. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and opens the door to more personalized, effective treatment. I’m proud to see this critical bill signed into law and remain steadfast in my commitment to the advocates who have fought tirelessly for equitable access to this essential testing.”

"It is crucial to expand access to personalized treatment through biomarker testing," said Assemblyman Gary Schaer. "Often times, access to patient specific treatment is not always available to patients under their insurance plan and Medicaid. By guaranteeing insurance coverage, the passage of A4163 will combat healthcare disparities and ensures that all patients receive the quality care they deserve."

“When patients are faced with uncertainty about their health, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether their insurance will cover the necessary tests that could lead to a diagnosis,” said Assemblywoman Shama Haider. “A4163 is about providing people with that peace of mind, ensuring they have access to the biomarker testing, regardless of their financial situation.”

“Governor Murphy and Acting Governor Tahesha L. Way have delivered hope to countless New Jerseyans who will benefit from expanded access to biomarker testing,” said Quinton Law, Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “This is a game-changing law for New Jersey—one that will improve health outcomes and empower more patients. For those facing cancer and other serious illnesses, it could mean fewer delays, fewer barriers, and a clearer path to the right treatment at the right time. On behalf of advocates, patients, and their families, we’re deeply grateful to Senators Gopal and Singleton, Assemblymembers Sumter, Schaer, and Haider for championing this legislation, and to Governor Murphy for his support and Lieutenant Governor Way for signing it into law.”

“Biomarker testing was key to my treatment—a treatment that saved my life. My cousin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just weeks before me, and we lost her to the disease. She didn’t have access to biomarker testing or the precision medicine it can unlock,” said Nick Pifani of Delran, a cancer survivor and NJ ACS CAN volunteer who benefited from biomarker testing. “I feel incredibly fortunate that I did. My kids were seven and nine when I was diagnosed, and I credit biomarker testing with allowing me to watch them grow into adolescence. As both a survivor and a family member of someone who could have benefited, I’m deeply grateful to New Jersey’s leaders for making this life-changing resource available to more patients.”

“At present, there are more than 185,000 New Jerseyans aged 65 or older who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number which only continues to rise. For these individuals, and countless others, an early and accurate diagnosis can improve access to care and support services, enhance quality of life and reduce the financial impact of the disease,” said Bruce Sisler, Director of State Government Affairs, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter. “We applaud Governor Murphy and Acting Governor Way for providing health insurance coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. With the historic FDA-approvals of treatments that slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease for those in the earliest stages, biomarker testing is even more critical to ensure individuals receive the most benefit at the earliest point possible in the progression of the disease. Signing this legislation will give hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans an opportunity to extend their lives.”

"The signing of April 23rd’s bill is a major win for New Jerseyans living with multiple sclerosis (MS). We applaud the New Jersey General Assembly for passing this landmark legislation and thank Governor Murphy and Acting Governor Way for signing A4163/S3098 into law,” said Kyle Rivers, Senior Manager, Advocacy, National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Thanks to continued advancements in research, the first biomarker test to predict the risk of disease activity in MS has received breakthrough status at the FDA. This legislation will ensure patients have access to precision medicine like this test, which could help accelerate diagnosis, predict and track disease progression, and monitor treatment effectiveness.”

“Lung cancer continues to take a heavy toll on families across New Jersey, with an estimated 2,670 lung cancer deaths in 2025 alone. Access to comprehensive biomarker testing is critical to ensuring patients get the most effective, personalized treatment,” said Michael Seilback, AVP, Nationwide Advocacy, State Public Policy for the American Lung Association. “We are proud to have supported Bill A4163/ S3098 and applaud the Murphy-Way Administration for signing this lifesaving bill into law. By requiring insurance coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing, New Jersey will take the important steps to improve lung cancer treatment outcomes—this law represents hope and impactful change for lung cancer patients.”

“The New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants (NJSSPA) extends our sincere gratitude to Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way for signing the biomarker testing bill  (A4163/S3098) into law,” said Victoria Latella, President of NJSSPA.  “This critical legislation advances timely, equitable access to precision diagnostics that are essential for identifying the most effective treatments for patients. As frontline providers in team-based care, physician assistants play a vital role in delivering these advanced diagnostic and treatment options to patients. This law empowers healthcare teams across the state to make more informed, personalized decisions that improve outcomes and enhance the quality of care. NJSSPA is proud to have stood alongside advocates and lawmakers, particularly the bill’s sponsors, Senator Gopal and Assemblywoman Sumter, to make this possible.”

“As an alliance of 33 leading academic cancer centers in the United States, NCCN applauds the passage of A4163/S3098 to advance access to clinically appropriate biomarker testing,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP, CEO, National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®). “Access to guideline recommended biomarker testing is a key component of cancer care and decision-making. This law will facilitate access to evidence-based biomarker testing including those recommendations found in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) and NCCN Biomarkers Compendium®. NCCN is committed to being a resource for everyone to support the delivery of quality, effective cancer care and prevention. We thank Governor Murphy, Acting Governor Way, Senators Gopal and Singleton, and Assemblymembers Sumter, Schaer, and Haider for their commitment to people impacted by cancer in New Jersey.”