Key takeaways

• The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would recognize genetic counselors under Medicare, helping eligible patients access covered genetic counseling services more easily.
• Better access to genetic counseling can help patients and families get clearer answers, make informed decisions, and better understand inherited health risks.
• NSGC is leading the advocacy effort and offers simple tools that patients and families can use to contact Congress in support of the bill.

When you or someone in your family is facing questions about hereditary cancer, a rare disease, a heart condition, or another genetic concern, timely guidance can make a meaningful difference. Genetic counselors help patients and families understand genetic testing options, interpret results, and consider next steps with greater clarity and confidence.

For many Medicare patients, however, access to that expertise is limited by an outdated coverage gap. Although genetic counselors are specifically trained to provide these services, they are not currently recognized as Medicare providers. As a result, Medicare does not reimburse genetic counseling done by genetic counselors. The Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act would help address this issue by recognizing genetic counselors under Medicare Part B.

What would this bill change?

If passed, the bill would make it easier for Medicare patients to receive covered genetic counseling services directly from a genetic counselor. It would add genetic counselors to the list of qualified professionals eligible for reimbursement under Medicare.  It would also allow genetic counselors to provide telehealth services to Medicare patients in cases where an in-person visit would be challenging

That may sound like a policy change that happens behind the scenes, but it has direct implications for patients and families. Reimbursement can influence whether clinics are able to offer genetic counseling services, whether health systems can hire genetic counselors, and whether patients face out-of-pocket costs to see a genetic counselor. Additionally, access to genetic counselors by telehealth would allow patients to access care without unnecessary delays or travel. Those barriers can be especially difficult for people in rural and underserved communities.

Why does this matter for patients and families?

Genetic information can shape important healthcare decisions. A genetic counselor can help someone understand whether testing may be appropriate, what a result does and does not mean, and how that information may affect future care. That kind of support can be especially valuable during stressful moments when patients and families are trying to make sense of complex information.

The impact often extends beyond one person. Inherited risks and genetic conditions may affect parents, siblings, children, and extended family members. When patients receive clear explanations and appropriate guidance, families are often better prepared to ask questions, pursue follow-up care, and make informed choices about screening or prevention.

For Medicare patients, improved access to genetic counselors could mean faster answers, more appropriate testing, and clearer direction at critical points in care. It can support more informed decision-making and help patients receive important information sooner.

How NSGC is leading this effort

NSGC has made the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act a major advocacy priority and has built broad support for the legislation. More than 200 associations and organizations have supported the bill, including patient advocacy groups, health systems, academic institutions, and professional organizations. Hundreds of clinicians, including physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, have also signed on in support.

NSGC has also developed advocacy resources for patients, family members, clinicians, and genetic counselors. These tools make it easier for supporters to contact lawmakers and explain why access to genetic counseling matters. For patients and families who want to get involved, NSGC has already created a clear place to start.

How patients and families can help

If this issue matters to you, one of the most effective steps you can take is to contact your U.S. House representative and U.S. senators through NSGC’s advocacy tools. NSGC offers patient-specific letter links that supporters can use and personalize, making it easier to share why access to genetic counseling matters for patients and families.

Sharing your story can also make a difference. If genetic counseling has helped you or someone you love better understand a diagnosis, evaluate testing options, or navigate a family health concern, that experience can help lawmakers understand the real-world value of these services. Personal stories provide the context needed for policy decisions and show why access matters in everyday healthcare.

As genetics becomes a more important part of healthcare, patients need access to professionals who can help make that information understandable and useful. Through the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, NSGC is working to remove a longstanding barrier for Medicare patients and improve access to care. For patients and families, supporting the bill is a meaningful opportunity to help expand access to genetic counseling for those who need it now and in the future.

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