Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026

Key Provisions

• Medicaid would explicitly cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing for children with suspected genetic disorders, rare diseases, or health conditions of unknown origin.
• Medicaid would pay for these advanced genetic tests separately, not bundled as part of payment for any other medical service.
• The Secretary of Health and Human Services would bring together national organizations, states, and patient groups to find ways to make it easier for families to get these tests and avoid claim denials.
• The Secretary of Health and Human Services would conduct outreach to hospitals, doctors, and families to ensure they know about these new benefits.
• The government would study how prior authorization, genetic counselor challenges, and test costs impact access to these services.