Explore information about genetic testing for an inherited mutation, the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and the type of results you might receive.
Genetic Testing > What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing for inherited mutations
Genetic testing for an inherited mutation (also called "germline genetic testing") looks at found in blood or saliva samples to find mutations that can cause diseases such as cancer.
Genetic testing can help people understand their risk for cancer, help them make medical decisions, and take steps to lower their cancer risk or detect cancer early. For people already diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing can help people make medical decisions about how to best treat their cancer.
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Related Resources
The following organizations have resources related to genetic counseling and testing.
- FORCE related resources:
- Information: What is genetic testing?
- Information: How to get genetic testing
- Information: , genes and risk
- Personalized portal: Genetic testing
- XRAY category: Genetic testing
- Video: ABC of Cancer Genetics
- Video playlist: Genetic testing
- Blogs: Genetic testing
- National Society of Genetic Counseling
- JScreen
updated: 12/05/2021
Paying For Care
Insurance coverage for genetic counseling and testing
Most health plans cover genetic counseling and testing for inherited gene mutations linked to cancer in people who meet the national guidelines. The cost of testing and your out-of-pocket charges may vary based on several factors.
People who are denied coverage for genetic testing can file an appeal (FORCE has sample appeal letters). Your healthcare provider can work with your insurance company and help you file an appeal if needed. Low cost testing may be available for $250 or less. Learn more about coverage for genetic counseling and testing here.
If you need information about finding an insurance plan, watch our video: Choosing Wisely: How to Pick Insurance Plans.
testing under the Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies must pay for both genetic counseling and testing with no out-of-pocket costs for women who meet certain criteria. The ACA regulations are limited to testing for and only and do not cover genetic counseling or testing in all situations. You can learn more about testing under the ACA here.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing
Genetic counseling and testing is typically covered by Medicare for people already diagnosed with cancer who are in treatment or for whom test results may affect their care. Most state Medicaid programs cover genetic testing for and mutations for people who meet requirements, which vary by state. You can read more about Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing here.
Financial assistance or low cost genetic testing
JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available. Many laboratories offer low-cost genetic testing or financial assistance programs. Programs vary, so if you are not eligible for assistance through one lab, consider contacting other labs to see if you qualify .
- Ambry Billing and Insurance
- Color for All (Color's Family Testing Program offers $50 testing for relatives of people with a known mutation)
- Invitae Patient Assistance Program
- Quest Financial Assistance Program
- Natera Compassionate Care Program
- Myriad Cares
- Sema4 Financial Assistance
updated: 11/15/2022
Open Clinical Trials
Below are clinical trials that include genetic counseling and testing.
- NCT02665195: Registry Of MultiPlex Testing (PROMPT). PROMPT is an online research registry. The goal of PROMPT is to help researchers to better understand the risks that are linked to mutations in less well-studied genes.
- NCT04245176: Genetic Testing for All Breast Cancer Patients (GET FACTS). This study looks at the impact of a novel genetic counseling method on surgical decisions in people with newly diagnosed breast cancer. This study involves genetic counseling about risk.
- NCT02620852: WISDOM Study: Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk offers women age 40-74 the opportunity to undergo risk assessment and genetic testing in order to determine the best breast screening options based on their situation.
- Enhancing Genetic Risk Assessment in Underserved Blacks and Latinas at Risk of Hereditary Breast Cancer. This study will test how well educational materials increase the use of knowledge about risk.
- NCT04476654: Improving Uptake of Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment in African American Women-Video. This study looks at the usefulness of intervention with a culturally-tailored video to improve uptake of genetic counseling in Black women who are at increased risk of .
Other genetic counseling or testing studies may be found here.
updated: 12/05/2021