Lumi Health – A New Leader in Genetic Carrier Screening and Reproductive Health

As of November 1st, 2023, Medicare has changed to include carrier screening testing for three genetic conditions. Fragile X, Cystic Fibrosis, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, will be now covered by Medicare for eligible Australians.

This initiative will make genetic testing for these conditions more accessible, providing couples planning a pregnancy with knowledge, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.

What is Lumi Health?

Lumi Health is a collaboration of three genetic companies; myDNA, the Victorian Clinical Genetics Service (VCGS), and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI).

Lumi Health has over 35 years experience in carrier screening, combining cutting edge scientific knowledge. Feel confident knowing you're supported by experts the whole way through the process.

What does Lumi Health offer?

Lumi Health has three Carrier screening options to choose from.

The Standard test covers 3 conditions, while the Extended and Comprehensive tests covers over 600 and 1,200 conditions respectively. This includes relevant subtypes of the genetic condition.

Taking a carrier screening test can help couples understand their risk of having a child with an inherited genetic condition. All Lumi Health testing includes complimentary genetic counselling and appointments with a practitioner, meaning support is available at every step.

Standard Carrier Screening

The Standard test covers the 3 most common inherited genetic diseases within our population:

• Cystic Fibrosis (CF),
• Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), and
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

The Standard test can be bulk billed through Medicare*, ensuring that access to informed family planning is available to as many Australians as possible.

Extended Carrier Screening

The Extended test is designed for couples and covers over 620 genes. This includes the 3 conditions from our standard test, plus insights into over 600 more conditions (including relevant subtypes of the genetic condition).

The Extended testing costs $740 per couple (one test includes 2 swabs) for those that are Medicare eligible* and $1,100 for those not eligible. For customers with Medicare, the price includes Medicare bulk billing for the Standard test conditions.

We bulk bill, meaning you pay 1 price upfront and do not need to get a rebate or pay anything else later as long as you meet the criteria for Medicare eligibility.

Comprehensive Carrier Screening

The Comprehensive test is also designed for couples. It screens for over 1,200 genes and 1,200 genetic conditions (including relevant subtypes of the genetic condition).

This test is the most comprehensive consumer test on the market, covering more conditions than any other provider.

It costs $890 per couple (one test includes 2 swabs) for those that are Medicare eligible* and $1,250 for those not eligible. For customers with Medicare, the price includes Medicare bulk billing for the Standard test conditions.

How does the carrier screening test work?

Lumi Health carrier screening kits are available to purchase online. We mail kits direct to your home, where you can complete the simple cheek swab in comfort and privacy.

You can register your sample online via our secure Patient Portal, meaning you don't need to waste time at the doctor's office or GP clinic. When your testing is complete, your results will also be delivered online through your portal.

Carrier screening testing works best when both members of a couple planning pregnancy are tested. This is so we can highlight your shared chance as a couple of having a child with an inherited condition.

Our Extended and Comprehensive tests are couples' tests with 2 swabs, so couples can test at the same time.

For Standard testing, only the biological female (AFAB) in the couple needs to order a test. The test will determine if they are a carrier for any of the 3 conditions (CF, SMA, FXS). If any one of these conditions is present, Lumi will organise for their partner to also be tested. This is at no extra cost if the partner is also Medicare-eligible.

Who is Medicare Eligible?

* Lumi Health is proud to offer Medicare billing for carrier screening testing where patients are eligible. The Medicare eligibility criteria for testing is outlined below.

The female partner in the couple must:

• Have a valid Medicare card (any type),
• Be biologically female (AFAB),
• Either be currently pregnant, or planning a pregnancy in future,
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident,
• Have no previous Medicare benefit for this test (not had Medicare-covered carrier screening before), and
• Have a clinical need for this test (our qualified team of doctors will determine this for you after you order).