Inspired by the success of Project Baby Bear, other states have followed with their own programs to publicly fund rapid Whole Genome Sequencing for infants.
In 2021, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association launched Project Baby Deer, a statewide initiative offering rapid Whole Genome Sequencing to critically ill babies and children. The goal was to make Michigan the first state in the national to offer rWGS to all babies up to 1 year of age that meet clinical criteria, regardless of location or type of insurance.
One year after Project Baby Deer launched, Michigan became the first state to make rapid Whole Genome Sequencing™ a covered benefit for eligible infants enrolled in Medicaid.
Michigan Medicaid will reimburse hospitals for the cost of rWGS testing separate from inpatient DRG payments.
If it was not for Project Baby Deer genome testing, Evelyn may not be here today.
© 2024 Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine.
