1. ANSWER:

CA S 306: Sexually Transmitted Disease: Testing

Status: Enacted - Act No. 2021-486

Date of Last Action:* 10/04/2021 - Enacted Author: Pan (D) Additional Authors: Gipson (D); Low (D); Leyva (D); Carrillo (D); Gonzalez (D); Weber A (D); Wiener (D)

Here is the link for the timeline:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xAF3zHW-XqAd_o1Tg6sLGNy1aqgqMmjq/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103696542451385441712&rtpof=true&sd=true

Note: Kindly send me an email if there is a problem with the file. Download the excel file and open it in MS Excel so you can view the timeline. Google sheets cannot display the smart art probably because it is too long.

2. Narrative

According to California Senate Bill (SB) 306, healthcare service plans and insurers are required to cover the cost of STD home test kits, which includes both the kit itself and any lab fees for processing it that are deemed medically necessary or reasonable. Based on clinical recommendations and each patient's specific health needs, the kit must be ordered by a doctor and provided to patients through a standing order at no cost to Anthem Blue Cross members.

A home test kit is a product that is used for a test that has been cleared or approved by the FDA, CLIA waived, or developed by a laboratory in accordance with established guidelines and quality standards. These tests are recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines or the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The version of California Senate Bill 306 that California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP) examined would mandate the payment for clinician-ordered STD home test kits. 100% of Californians with health insurance subject to state regulation in 2022. The benefit coverage would rise to 7% to 100%. The health impact of SB 306 would result in an additional 73,225 enrollees tested and an increase in treatment for 71 with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 102 with hepatitis C, and 26,811 with other STDs.