Cigna Corp. will become the first U.S. health insurer to require genetic counseling nationwide before it pays for tests for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, a move that may threaten sales for Myriad Genetics Inc.
The policy affects tests for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer, as well as genes for hereditary colon cancer and a heart abnormality called long QT syndrome, David Finley, a national medical officer for the Bloomfield, Connecticut-based insurer, said in an Aug. 16 interview. It takes effect Sept. 16.
Cigna’s ruling may cut sales growth for Myriad if other insurers follow suit.
Read the full, original story here: Cigna Demands Counseling for Breast Test in Myriad Threat
