NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Biocept said today that it has secured an in-network provider agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the largest provider of health benefits in that state.
The agreement raises the number of patients with in-network access to Biocept's liquid biopsy tests to about 185 million, with some members having access via multiple plans, the company said. Biocept has steadily increased its menu of assays over the last year and currently offers tests for alterations in a variety of cancer-associated genes in both circulating tumor cells and circulating cell-free DNA.
"It is gratifying that health plans are seeing the value of our liquid biopsy approach for profiling and monitoring important cancer biomarkers," Biocept President and CEO Michael Nall said in a statement. "Partnering with health insurers is a major focus of our business strategy, as it may increase physician access to this non-invasive technology for their patients and provide timely adjudication of claims for patients.
He added that the agreement is an especially important one for Biocept as Texas is one of the firm's largest markets.
Biocept also announced a similar agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois last year, and has previously signed coverage agreements with a variety of preferred provider networks.