Bill > HB1287

This bill mandates that various health insurance policies and contracts in Mississippi, including individual and group plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and self-insured arrangements, must cover annual Pap smears for residents starting July 1, 2026. It specifies that individuals should not face higher deductibles or coinsurance for Pap smears compared to similar benefits, and reimbursement to healthcare providers must be at least as much as what Medicare (Title XVII of the Social Security Act) provides. The bill also clarifies that insurance providers are not required to refer patients to out-of-network providers for Pap smears unless they lack an available and accessible in-network provider, and if such a referral occurs, the patient will not incur additional costs beyond what they would pay for in-network services. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to ensure that the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan, which provides coverage for state and school employees, also includes coverage for annual Pap smears.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1287.xml