Nevada mandates health plans to cover pregnancy STI screenings without restrictions
April 24, 2025 | House Bills - Introduced, House Bills, 2025 House and Senate Bills, Nevada Legislation Bills, Nevada
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Nevada's Assembly Bill 522, introduced on April 24, 2025, aims to enhance healthcare access for pregnant individuals by mandating comprehensive screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bloodborne viruses. This legislation requires health benefit plans to cover examinations for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV without prior authorization, ensuring that patients can receive necessary care without financial barriers.
Key provisions of the bill stipulate that insurance carriers cannot impose higher deductibles, copayments, or waiting periods for these essential health services. Additionally, the bill prohibits insurers from penalizing healthcare providers who offer these screenings or from incentivizing them to deny access to such benefits. This approach aims to eliminate obstacles that might deter pregnant individuals from seeking critical health screenings, ultimately promoting better maternal and fetal health outcomes.
The introduction of AB 522 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and healthcare advocates, with supporters emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of STIs to prevent complications during pregnancy. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential financial impact on insurance providers and the healthcare system as a whole. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of improved maternal health and reduced healthcare costs from untreated infections outweigh these concerns.
The implications of this bill extend beyond individual health; it reflects a broader commitment to public health and preventive care in Nevada. By ensuring that pregnant individuals have access to necessary screenings, the state aims to reduce the incidence of STIs and their associated health risks, fostering healthier communities.
As AB 522 moves through the legislative process, its potential to reshape healthcare access for pregnant individuals remains a focal point of discussion. If passed, the bill will take effect for health plans issued or renewed after October 1, 2025, marking a significant step toward improving maternal health services in Nevada.
Key provisions of the bill stipulate that insurance carriers cannot impose higher deductibles, copayments, or waiting periods for these essential health services. Additionally, the bill prohibits insurers from penalizing healthcare providers who offer these screenings or from incentivizing them to deny access to such benefits. This approach aims to eliminate obstacles that might deter pregnant individuals from seeking critical health screenings, ultimately promoting better maternal and fetal health outcomes.
The introduction of AB 522 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and healthcare advocates, with supporters emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of STIs to prevent complications during pregnancy. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential financial impact on insurance providers and the healthcare system as a whole. Nevertheless, proponents argue that the long-term benefits of improved maternal health and reduced healthcare costs from untreated infections outweigh these concerns.
The implications of this bill extend beyond individual health; it reflects a broader commitment to public health and preventive care in Nevada. By ensuring that pregnant individuals have access to necessary screenings, the state aims to reduce the incidence of STIs and their associated health risks, fostering healthier communities.
As AB 522 moves through the legislative process, its potential to reshape healthcare access for pregnant individuals remains a focal point of discussion. If passed, the bill will take effect for health plans issued or renewed after October 1, 2025, marking a significant step toward improving maternal health services in Nevada.
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