Color and leading U.S. insurers partner to enable wider access to cancer risk testing for more than 100 million people

BURLINGAME, Calif., May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Color, a health technology service, announced today that on June 15, 2017 it will begin accepting health insurance for its physician-ordered 30-gene test for hereditary cancer risk. Color is partnering with some of the largest payers in the United States, which together cover more than 100 million people.

Color currently offers its clinical-grade genetic testing service at a self-pay rate of $249, one of the lowest available rates. Starting mid-June, insurance coverage for the Color Test can be accessed through a doctor's office. "I'm excited to offer my patients a high-quality genetic test from Color," says Dr. Jonathan Herman, OB/GYN and genetic testing advocate. "Previously I'd worry about which patients were covered through insurance and who would have a high out-of-pocket cost. It really limited who I could get tested. Now that Color accepts insurance, all of my patients can have this important test."

Today's announcement furthers the company's mission of making its test for hereditary cancer risk available to everyone. "This is an important milestone for Color and the health insurance industry," said Othman Laraki, Color's CEO. "We believe testing for hereditary cancer risk should be available to everyone who needs it, and this is a key step in that direction." 

Color will continue to partner with more health plans in order to expand its in-network footprint, while also focusing on working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to further its mission of lowering the cost of genetic testing for everyone.

"We've seen unprecedented demand from patients, providers, and payers for a low cost, high-quality test for hereditary cancer risk," said Darrin Crisitello, Color's VP of Global Sales and Marketing. "Our partnerships with health plans open the door for physicians and patients to use Color as an in-network covered benefit when medically indicated. We're making this testing easier to access, for both patients covered by insurance, and those who typically would have been denied coverage."

About Color
Color is a health technology service that offers physician-ordered genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk. The Color Test analyzes 30 genes that impact the most common hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, uterine, melanoma, prostate and stomach cancers. To learn more about Color, follow Color on Twitter @Color or Facebook at facebook.com/Color and visit color.com.

SOURCE Color

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