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Committee releases bill to require coverage for ovarian-cancer screening; members cautioned on test limitations
Summary
The Assembly Health Committee released A3546 to require insurers and the State Health Benefits Program to cover ovarian‑cancer screening; members noted that common tests cited in testimony (CA‑125 and transvaginal ultrasound) are not reliable as general population screening tools.
The Assembly Health Committee on a roll-call motion released A3546, a bill that would require insurance plans and the State Health Benefits Program to provide coverage for expenses incurred in screenings for ovarian cancer.
Assemblywoman Teneal McCoy, sponsor of A3546, told the committee that ovarian cancer is a high‑mortality disease with few reliable early-warning signs and urged coverage for annual pelvic exams, ultrasound and blood tests for women at systematic risk. "The goal of this legislation is simple, to ensure that women have the courage, coverage to be able to detect ovarian cancer before it becomes too late," McCoy said.
Committee members supported the intent but raised clinical and evidentiary concerns. Assemblywoman Munoz, who said she recently completed continuing education on ovarian cancer, cautioned that the CA‑125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound are not recommended as reliable general‑population screening tools. "The CA‑125 is not a reliable test for ovarian cancer. It's not recommended," Munoz said, adding that those tests are often used for monitoring after diagnosis rather than for screening asymptomatic patients.
McCoy and members discussed targeted coverage for women with family history or other risk factors. McCoy acknowledged that pelvic exams are generally already covered and said she would follow up on Medicaid and Medicare coverage specifics.
The committee recorded a roll‑call vote releasing A3546. Support was recorded from members including Assemblymen Rumpf, Peterson, Azaridi, Brelli, Tully and Assemblywomen Munoz, Kane, Hader, Begoli and Chairwoman Murphy. A supportive in‑record slip came from Laurie Clark, New Jersey section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; the representative did not testify in person.
Members asked sponsors to clarify which tests would be covered for which populations and requested follow‑up on existing coverage under public programs before the bill advances.
