As the seventh budget extender is passed in the Assembly chamber today, Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is continuing to urge action to protect and expand access to life-saving biomarker testing for New Yorkers, emphasizing the need to keep critical health care priorities at the forefront as budget negotiations remain unresolved.

Biomarker testing plays a critical role in modern medicine, allowing doctors to identify specific characteristics of a disease and match patients with the most effective, targeted treatments. As outlined in a recent City & State opinion piece, access to this testing is essential to advancing precision medicine and improving outcomes, yet barriers in coverage and cost continue to limit availability for many patients across New York.

Maher co-sponsored legislation (A.1673A), signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, which requires state-regulated insurance plans, including Medicaid, to cover biomarker testing when medically appropriate. The law ensures that patients can access testing for diagnosis, treatment decisions and ongoing disease management—helping connect individuals to therapies that can significantly improve survival and quality of life.

“Expanding access to biomarker testing is about making sure every New Yorker has the opportunity to receive the right treatment at the right time,” said Meghan Hurlburt, Assemblyman Maher’s chief of staff. “As budget discussions continue, it’s critical that we remain focused on policies that improve health outcomes, reduce disparities and support patients and families facing serious illnesses.”

Maher emphasized that continued attention is needed to fully implement and protect these advancements, particularly as delays in the state budget risk slowing progress on key health care priorities. Ensuring equitable access to biomarker testing, especially for those on Medicaid, is a vital step toward reducing disparities and strengthening New York’s health care system.