Bill Summary: AB 536 requires health plans to provide coverage, without cost sharing, for a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test that meet certain conditions.  Specifically, the bill requires health plans or insurers to provide coverage for a screening test that is of any of the following:

• Approved by the FDA and meets the requirements for coverage established by CMS' National Coverage Determination;
• Approved by the FDA and included in the most recently published guidelines from the American Cancer Society;
• Assigned a grade of A or B by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

It would also require a health plan or insurer to provide the colonoscopy for a positive result on a test or procedure, other than a colonoscopy, that meets any of the conditions described above, to be provided with no cost sharing.   As such, Colonoscopies, Fecal Occult Blood Testing, and virtual colonoscopies (CT colonography) would be covered under the bill.  

Of note, AB 536 recently passed the full California Assembly and is currently being considered in the Senate. 

How can YOU help? Contact your lawmakers and ask for support for AB 536. Personalized messages make a difference!