By Sabela Ojea
Myriad Genetics might not be able to ensure a change in the updated medical policy of UnitedHealthcare after the company announced it would restrict access to multi-gene panel tests for behavioral-health diagnoses beginning Jan. 1.
The genetic testing and precision medicine company on Tuesday said that, while it wishes to reach a positive resolution before the end of the year, discussions with the health insurance company may extend into early 2025.
"Following the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, we extend our deepest condolences to Brian's family and all employees of UnitedHealthcare. Soon, at the appropriate time, we plan to continue our dialogue with UNH and other key stakeholders," Myriad Genetics Chief Executive Paul Diaz said.
Myriad has requested that UHC enrollees continue to have access to its GeneSight test in 2025, especially in the primary care setting where a significant majority of antidepressants are prescribed, the company said.
The news comes about two months after the UnitedHealth Group unit said it planned to discontinue coverage and remove prior authorization requirements for multi-panel pharmacogenetic codes, it said.
Shortly after that, on Nov. 4, Myriad said it strongly disagreed with UnitedHealthcare's inclusion of GeneSight and was in talks with the unit for it to reverse its decision.
Write to Sabela Ojea at sabela.ojea@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 10, 2024 19:01 ET (00:01 GMT)
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