MedCAC Meetings

Screening Genetic Tests

On May 6, 2009, CMS will convene a public meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) entitled “Screening Genetic Tests”.This meeting will focus on the desirable characteristics of evidence that are needed to evaluate screening genetic test(s) for Medicare coverage. As such CMS wants to determine whether genetic testing as a laboratory screening service improves health outcomes for the Medicare population. Specifically, does the screening genetic testing change the natural history and/or reduce the complications of the disease and alter morbidity/mortality. CMS also asks the committee to identify current data deficiencies that warrant further research.

Genetic (Genomic) Testing

On February 25, 2009, CMS will convene a public meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) entitled “Genetic (Genomic) Testing”.Genetic tests have been developed for a growing number of diseases. Many tests are currently marketed for clinical uses, but the evidence base used to support these uses is not yet well developed. CMS wishes to obtain the MEDCAC’s recommendation regarding the desirable characteristics of evidence that could be used by the Medicare program to determine whether genetic testing as a laboratory diagnostic service improves health outcomes.