In response to ASTRO guidance, the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) has updated its SBRT coverage policy to include hepatocellular carcinomas, pancreatic adenocarcinomas, localized prostate cancers, and oligometastatic disease, among other disease sites. The updated policy becomes effective November 1.

Previously HCA only approved use of SBRT for cancers of the spine/paraspinal structures and inoperable, stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer. ASTRO submitted comments to HCA in 2022 and again earlier this year, arguing for the inclusion of the disease sites mentioned above. This update is a significant improvement for the 2.5 million people covered by the Washington State HCA, including its Medicaid program.