HOUSE BILL 477

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Mimi Stewart

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE; MANDATING COVERAGE FOR SCREENING FOR HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. Section 59A-46-42 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1992, Chapter 56, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "59A-46-42. COVERAGE FOR CYTOLOGIC AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS SCREENING.--

          A. Each individual and group health maintenance organization contract delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall provide coverage for cytologic and human papillomavirus screening to determine the presence of precancerous or cancerous conditions and other health problems. The coverage shall make available cytologic screening, as determined by the health care provider in accordance with national medical standards, for women who are eighteen years of age or older and for women who are at risk of cancer or at risk of other health conditions that can be identified through cytologic screening. The coverage shall make available human papillomavirus screening once every three years for women aged thirty and older.

          B. Coverage for cytologic and human papillomavirus screening may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same contract.

          C. For the purposes of this section:

                (1) "cytologic screening" means a Papanicolaou test and pelvic exam for asymptomatic as well as symptomatic women; [and]

                (2) "health care provider" means any person licensed within the scope of his practice to perform cytologic and human papillomavirus screening, including physicians, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives and certified nurse practitioners; and

                (3) "human papillomavirus screening" means a test approved by the federal food and drug administration for detection of the human papillomavirus."

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