As previously reported, Benchmark analyst Raymond Myers downgraded Exact Sciences to Hold from Buy, stating that commentary during the conference call, and clarified afterward with management, was concerning. Particularly, Myers noted that while 87% of lives are "covered" for Cologuard, only 64% of lives are "contracted". He estimates approximately two thirds of the remaining population is not contracted for Cologuard and anticipates Exact will spend heavily in 2018 to drive patient awareness, hoping to spur insurer contracts, Myers tells investors.