Privacy, Policy & Advocacy
Privacy, Policy & Legal
Federal Laws
In the U.S., federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines affect the health information and care people receive, including the types of screening, prevention, and treatment health insurance plans must cover, which lab tests or medications are available, and how health information may be used.
Here, we provide an overview of specific laws that have a significant impact of members of the high-risk, hereditary cancer community.
Federal Policy Efforts
Read highlights of recent federal advocacy efforts and historical information about issues that FORCE engaged in. These efforts represent the unique needs of individuals and families impacted by hereditary cancer, covering issues like genetic counseling, testing and cancer screening guidelines, insurance coverage, genetic privacy, gene patents, drug development and access, etc.
Advocacy Day
Advocacy Day brings the community together to educate members of Congress about important issues our community faces. It is an opportunity for you and other passionate people to meet virtually with federal lawmakers, urging them to support policies that improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancers.
State Laws
Federal laws set a minimum national standard. States can expand or enhance federal policy by passing their own laws. Here, we provide information on state laws that guide coverage and patient costs for cancer screenings, diagnostic exams and other health services needed by people with or at risk of hereditary cancer.
State Policy Efforts
Explore our state legislative initiatives on behalf of the hereditary cancer community. We advocate for affordable access to genetic counseling, testing, high-risk “supplemental” cancer screenings, and fertility services, as well as banning genetic discrimination and improving the accessibility of cancer therapies. These efforts make a difference in individual states and contribute to broader change.
Volunteer
Are you interested in advocacy and making an impact on issues important to our community? Volunteer as a Patient Advocate Leader and help ensure laws and regulations represent the unique needs of people facing hereditary cancers. Training provided. The time commitment is about 2 hours a month.