Medicare Recognition for Genetic Counselors Continues To Build Momentum in 2023

The profession’s effort to obtain Medicare-provider status for genetic counselors continues to gain momentum with the recent re-introduction of H.R. 3876, championed by Reps. Adrian Smith (NE-R) and Brian Higgins (NY-D), the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act and its Senate companion, to be championed by Sens. John Barrasso (WY-R) and Jon Tester (MT-D). The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act made significant progress in the 117^th Congress (2021-2022) by securing 68 bipartisan cosponsors in the House and 6 in the Senate. Many of these cosponsors have already signed onto the recently re-introduced House bill, and NSGC continues to work toward building upon its co-sponsor list.  

Genetic counselors play a key role in NSGC’s advocacy efforts through its Advocacy Coordinating Committee (ACC). Each ACC member represents a geographical region to help engage genetic counselors, patients, and other provider groups to advance the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. This engagement includes securing bill support, facilitating virtual and in-person constituent Hill meetings, and liaising between NSGC headquarters and with individuals and organizations across the country on efforts to advance this legislation.

In 2021-2022 alone, the ACC helped coordinate over 260 constituent meetings with House and Senate offices and secured over 400 organizations in support of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. Their work paid off, with the bill generating significant support in the 117^th Congress compared to previous years.

NSGC will continue to meet with as many Congressional offices as possible in the 118^th Congress to build upon its co-sponsor base and looks to all ABGC diplomates for help. Efforts to obtain Medicare recognition for genetic counselors is a profession-wide effort that will provide immediate and long-term benefits. Regardless of membership status, NSGC invites all genetic counselors to get involved with its advocacy efforts. By meeting with your Congressional offices, securing support from your non-genetic counselor colleagues, or raising awareness of current access barriers to your patients, your efforts make a difference.

Interested in meeting with your Congressional representatives’ offices virtually or in person? NSGC has a sign-up form available for you.

NSGC will reach out to schedule a meeting and provide you with meeting talking points, what to expect, and meeting logistics. An NSGC staff member will also attend the meeting with you, so you are never alone in this effort.

Learn more about NSGC’s federal advocacy effort and ways you can get involved, or contact mford@nsgc.org to learn more about the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act.