The Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act: What It Means for You
A Historic Moment for Ovarian Cancer Prevention
On September 29, 2026, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Ovarian Cancer IMPACT Act — a bill that could fundamentally reshape how women in America access genetic testing, specialty care, and education about gynecologic cancer.
What the Bill Does
1. Expand Insurance Coverage for Genetic Testing
The bill would require insurance plans to cover:
- Germline multi-gene panel testing for people diagnosed with ovarian cancer or guideline-eligible endometrial cancer
- Targeted genetic testing for those with hereditary cancer risk factors
- Tumor genomic profiling to guide treatment decisions
- Genetic counseling so patients understand their results and next steps
This is critical. Too many women — especially in underserved communities — never get tested because of cost. This bill would remove that barrier.
2. Improve Access to Gynecologic Oncology Care
The legislation includes provisions to:
- Expand access to gynecologic oncology specialists in rural and medically underserved areas
- Support telehealth so distance is no longer a barrier to specialty care
- Prioritize grant funding for community-based programs reaching the most vulnerable populations
3. Reauthorize Johanna's Law
Named after Johanna Gordon-Shaw, who died of adenomyosis — a condition affecting the uterus — Johanna's Law is a CDC program that has funded a federal gynecologic cancer education and awareness campaign for 20 years. The IMPACT Act would reauthorize and strengthen it with additional outreach funding, ensuring more women know the signs and risks.
Who Led This?
The bill is bipartisan and bicameral:
| Chamber | Lead Sponsors | |---|---| | Senate | Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) & Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) | | House | Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) & Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) |
Senator Slotkin has been especially vocal — her mother Judith died of ovarian cancer in 2011, and Slotkin has spoken about the struggle her family had with insurance companies throughout her mother's illness.
"No family should have to fight both a cancer diagnosis and their insurance company at the same time. Women, especially in rural communities, should be able to get the genetic testing and specialty care they need to catch this disease early or prevent it altogether." — Sen. Elissa Slotkin
Where HopeCare Global Stands
This bill aligns with every pillar of our mission:
- Early detection — Genetic testing is the single most powerful tool we have to catch ovarian cancer before it starts
- Education — Johanna's Law reauthorization means more women will know their risk
- Equitable access — Expanding coverage and rural access moves us closer to a world where no woman is overlooked because of her zip code
Dr. Petrina Harrison, founder of HopeCare Global, has already reached out to the bill sponsors' offices and will continue to advocate for this legislation as it moves through Congress.
What You Can Do
- Learn your family history — Talk to your relatives about cancer on both sides of your family
- Talk to your provider — Ask about genetic testing, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Spread the word — Share this information with the women in your life
- Stay engaged — Follow HopeCare Global for updates as this bill progresses