Independence has announced that it has entered into an agreement with NantHealth
(access in Chrome only) to cover next-generation whole genome sequencing for a
variety of cancers. Independence will become the first major insurer to offer
coverage for next-generation whole genome sequencing, which fully sequences
thousands of genes in a single test, detecting DNA mutations that may serve as
markers that inform decisions about optimal cancer therapy.
Independence's agreement with NantHealth involves a very specific and
complex lab study related to cancer, next-generation whole genomic sequencing
of tumor DNA, and related proteomic testing, for certain types of cancer. The
test will be covered for members with specific conditions including rare
cancers, tumors in children, metastatic cancer of unknown primary, primary
brain cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and metastatic cancer where
conventional therapies
have been exhausted and patients remain candidates for further therapy.
Coverage for the testing will be available to
eligible members of Independence commercial plans in March 2016.
In addition to its coverage of full genomic testing for eligible members,
Independence has joined the National
Immunotherapy Coalition (NIC). Launching today, the NIC will be the nation's
most comprehensive cancer collaborative
initiative, focused on accelerating the potential of combination immunotherapy
as the next generation standard of care in
cancer patients. The Coalition and its members will design, initiate and
complete the Cancer Moon Shot 2020 Program, a
series of randomized Phase II trials in 20,000 patients at all stages of
disease in 20 tumor types within the next 24-36 months.
To learn more about Independence's newest health care initiative, please
read the complete press release Independence Blue Cross Becomes First Major Insurer to Cover
Next-Generation Whole Genome Sequencing for a Variety of Cancers.