Oregon House Approves Bill Mandating Insurance Coverage Of HPV Vaccine

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 21 Apr 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Oregon House on Wednesday voted 48-12 to pass a bill (H.B. 2794) that would require state-regulated insurance plans to cover the cost of the human papillomavirus vaccine for girls and women, the Oregonian reports. The vaccine, which FDA approved in 2006 for girls and young women ages nine to 26, protects against certain strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The bill does not require that people receive the vaccine, and its coverage requirements do not apply to "large companies that are self-insured."

Some Republicans who voted against the bill said most major insurance companies in Oregon already cover the cost of the vaccine. State Rep. Carolyn Tomei (D) said that while it is true most insurers currently cover the vaccine, requiring coverage by law would ensure that companies continue to offer it and that any new insurer in the state will do so as well. State Rep. Debbie Brown (D) said the bill, which has backing from the Oregon Women's Health and Wellness Alliance, will help "innumerable young women from ever having to worry about cervical cancer" (Cole, Oregonian, 4/15).

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