Written by Chad Ramsey, Vice President, Policy
February brought meaningful progress in Washington. From major legislative wins to the start of a new appropriations cycle, advocates are already helping shape the policy landscape for ovarian and gynecologic cancer patients in 2026 and beyond.
State-Level Momentum: Biomarker Progress Continues
Momentum is building across the country to expand access to biomarker testing, with multiple states advancing legislation this session:
- Ohio: Legislation to expand access to biomarker testing was passed favorably out of House committee last week. We expect the bill to move to a House floor vote soon.
- Mississippi: Both the House and Senate versions of biomarker legislation passed unanimously in their respective chambers. The next step is for one chamber to take up the other’s bill, after which the legislation can be sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
These advances reflect growing bipartisan recognition of the importance of biomarker testing and demonstrate the importance of state-level advocate engagement.
Appropriations: 2027 Cycle Is Underway
Congress is expected to release appropriations guidance this week, officially kicking off the 2027 cycle. We’ve already begun submitting budgetary requests and engaging with congressional offices to ensure ovarian and gynecologic cancer research, early detection, and patient-centered programs remain top priorities.
This early phase of appropriations is critical, as the relationships built and the requests submitted now will help determine what funding levels are possible later in the process.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy Day Is Almost Here!
OCRA’s Advocacy Day is a powerful moment for our community—bringing advocates together in Washington, DC, to share their stories, meet directly with lawmakers, and reinforce why sustained investment in research, access to care, and patient protections matters. This year, more than 150 Advocate Leaders will join us in DC to ensure patient voices are front and center in these critical conversations on Capitol Hill.
We can’t wait to gather, amplify our collective voice, and build on this momentum together.
Thank You for Advocating
Every email sent, meeting attended, and story shared helped make these recent successes possible. As we move into a new appropriations cycle and prepare for Advocacy Day, your engagement continues to make a real difference.
