Insurers Will Pay for HIV Screening if Governor Signs Bill

CALIFORNIA:   "Insurers Will Pay for HIV Screening if Governor Signs Bill"
San Fernando Valley Business Journal   (09.15.08):: Nadra Kareem

Late last month, the California Legislature passed AB 1894, landmark legislation that would require health insurers in the state to cover routine HIV testing. If signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, it would become the first law of its kind in the nation.

AB 1894 was introduced by Assembly member Paul Krekorian and is sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Approximately 40,000 Californians are unaware they are infected with HIV, the California Office of AIDS says. The bill's sponsors maintain that the lack of routine testing puts more people at risk for infection.

"Studies have shown that when individuals know their HIV status, those found to be positive take steps to decrease the risk of passing their HIV on to others," said Krekorian.

"This important bill creates an environment in which testing will become routine and more Californians will know their HIV status, get linked to care as needed, and have an overall better quality of life," said Krekorian. "AB 1894 is a straightforward solution to a growing public health dilemma. It helps pave the way to encourage widespread and routine HIV testing throughout California, something CDC first recommended nationwide nearly two years ago. It is prudent legislation that will save lives."

The question of who will pay for routine testing has hobbled efforts to institute CDC's recommendation. Bill backers say AB 1894's requirement that insurers pick up the tab removes that impediment.