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Committee OKs coverage for FDA‑approved at‑home cervical cancer tests
Summary
AB 1906 would require coverage for at‑home cervical cancer screening kits without cost sharing and align Medi‑Cal billing codes with clinical guidance. Supporters said the change will expand access and reduce disparities; the committee passed the bill 11‑0.
The health committee moved AB 1906 out of committee after the author and sponsors accepted amendments aligning coverage with clinical guidelines and limiting test orders to in‑network providers.
Assemblymember Edgar Curry described the bill’s purpose as expanding access to at‑home cervical cancer screening, which proponents said is an effective way to increase early detection for rural, working and underserved Californians. "Allowing patients to test in their homes expands access for rural and working Californians, increases preventive screening levels, and reduces strain on our healthcare system," the author said.
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and Health Access California testified in support, citing FDA approval of at‑home kits and data showing screening reduces incidence and death. Health Access noted survival rates fall sharply for later‑stage diagnoses and that at‑home testing removes barriers such as transportation, time off work and provider shortages.
Some plan representatives indicated they were reviewing the amended language and hoped to reassess positions, but no lead opponents pressed for a negative vote in committee. The committee passed AB 1906 unanimously (11‑0) and re‑referred it to the Appropriations Committee.
