WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced the bipartisan Expanded Genetic Screening Act to provide Medicaid coverage for non-invasive, prenatal genetic screenings. Noninvasive prenatal genetic screening uses naturally occurring fetal DNA from the mother's blood to detect any genetic abnormalities. The bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover these screenings.

“Genetic screenings are an important resource that many pregnant mothers choose to have in order to weigh risk factors,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan legislation will expand access to these tests to increase flexibility for expectant mothers utilizing Medicaid benefits.”

"Every year, there are nearly six million pregnancies across the U.S., and many expecting mothers will undergo prenatal screenings like noninvasive prenatal tests in order understand the overall health of their child. But unlike those covered by private insurance plans, there are far too many women of color and working families who do not have access to noninvasive prenatal tests due to gaps in State Medicaid and TRICARE coverage,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “Noninvasive prenatal tests can reduce risky diagnostic testing, unnecessary terminations, and health care system costs. The Expanded Genetic Screening Act would expand coverage for noninvasive prenatal screenings to Medicaid beneficiaries, and I’m proud to fight for legislation that emphasizes equity and expands women’s access to care.”

Read the text of the bill HERE.

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