Guardant Health announced that its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is now covered by UnitedHealth Group, making United the first major U.S. commercial insurer to provide coverage for the FDA-approved blood-based screening test. The policy expands access for eligible average-risk adults aged 45 and older, bringing the total number of covered lives for Shield to approximately 100 million across commercial, Medicare Advantage, and supplemental Medicare plans.
Shield is currently the only FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening included in both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) screening guidelines. Unlike stool-based screening tests, Shield can be completed during a routine healthcare visit with a simple blood draw, offering an alternative for individuals who are reluctant to undergo colonoscopy or at-home stool testing.
The expanded insurance coverage comes as colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise among younger adults. Guardant Health highlighted that increasing access to blood-based screening could help improve screening participation by addressing common barriers associated with traditional screening methods.