SCLD Update
July 1998

Breast Cancer Detection
Cervical Cancer Detection
Ovarian Cancer Detection
Prostate Cancer Detection
Testicular Cancer Detection
Cancer-General
Genetics
Tobacco-Use Reduction
State-of-the-Art Treatment
Cancer Registries
Occupational Exposure
Erratum
Enacted Legislation and Adopted Resolutions

South Carolina passed H.B. 3985, creating the Omnibus Health Benefits and Education Act of 1998. Effective January 1, 1999, the law requires specified individual and group insurers, including HMOs, to provide coverage for annual Pap smears, which must be performed upon the recommendation of a medical doctor. Examinations may be conducted annually or more often if recommended by a physician. Deductibles and co-insurance may apply if such provisions generally apply to other similar benefits provided and paid for under the health insurance policy. See the additional summaries for this bill in the Breast Cancer Detection/Third-Party Reimbursement, Inpatient Care, and Mammography Quality Assurance sections, and the Prostate Cancer Detection/Third-Party Reimbursement section.

Virginia passed a law (H.B. 610) that requires state employee health care plans to include coverage for annual Pap smears. Pursuant to Title XIX of the United States Social Security Act, the state Board of Health must include in its state plan for medical assistance services a provision for payment of medical assistance for annual Pap smears.

Screening Programs

For summaries of a Nebraska bill (L.B. 1070) related to screening for cervical cancer, see the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education and Tobacco Litigation sections.

The Louisiana legislature adopted two resolutions (S.C.R. 62 and S.R. 41) urging the Louisiana State University Medical Center to dedicate all possible resources to the development of programs and strategies designed to: (1) increase the rate of cervical cancer screening among African Americans, and (2) ensure the utmost participation of community and civic organizations from the African-American community in the design and implementation of these programs. See the additional summary for this bill in the Prostate Cancer Detection/Screening Programs section.

Awareness

Oklahoma adopted a resolution (H.R. 1054) related to women's health issues. A summary of this resolution can be found in the Breast Cancer Detection/Awareness section.