Insurers Must Cover Updated Cervical Cancer Screenings Free
Published Date: 1/5/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting soon, many health plans must cover updated cervical cancer screening tests for women without charging extra. These changes affect group and individual insurance plans and aim to keep women healthier by catching cancer early. The new rules come after expert reviews and public feedback, so expect smoother, no-cost screenings that save lives and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No-Copay Coverage Required for Updated Screenings
Non-grandfathered group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual coverage must cover, without cost-sharing, the services and screenings listed in the updated Women's Preventive Services Guidelines. The HRSA Administrator accepted the update on December 29, 2025, and plans with plan or policy years that begin 1 year after that date (for most plans, in 2027) must provide the coverage.
At-Home HPV Self-Collection Covered Option
The updated Guideline states that patient-collected high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing is an appropriate method and should be offered as an option for cervical cancer screening in women aged 30 to 65 years at average risk. For covered plans, this option falls under the HRSA-supported Guidelines and must be included without cost-sharing beginning for plan years that start 1 year after acceptance (accepted Dec 29, 2025).
Changed Screening Methods and Intervals
The Guideline updates screening method and timing: women aged 21–29 should have cervical cytology (Pap test) every 3 years; women aged 30–65 should be screened with primary hrHPV testing every 5 years (preferred) or cytology plus hrHPV co-testing every 5 years; if hrHPV testing is unavailable, continue cytology alone every 3 years. These recommendations apply to average-risk women and are part of the services that covered plans must include without cost-sharing beginning for plan or policy years starting 1 year after acceptance (accepted Dec 29, 2025).
Follow-Up and Additional Tests Covered
The updated Guideline adds that additional testing and pathologic evaluation (for example, cytology, biopsy, colposcopy, extended genotyping, dual stain) may be required to complete the screening process and are recommended to complete screening for malignancies. For non-grandfathered plans, these services are part of the Guideline-covered preventive services and must be covered without cost-sharing for plan or policy years beginning 1 year after acceptance (accepted Dec 29, 2025).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19936, Autism Longitudinal Data Project and Linking the Boston Birth Cohort and Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal Data System and Community-Level Health Databases: A Longitudinal Cohort of Mother-Child Dyads
Johns Hopkins University is getting nearly $600,000 to finish a big project linking health data from moms and their kids to better understand autism and early life health. This funding keeps the project going through August 2027, helping researchers track health over time and improve care. If the money stops, the final phase can’t happen, slowing progress for families and communities counting on these insights.
2026-20018, Recharter for the Council on Graduate Medical Education
The Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) has been officially rechartered as of September 30, 2026, to keep advising the government on doctor training and workforce needs. This affects medical schools, hospitals, and policymakers by continuing efforts to fix doctor shortages and improve training programs. No new funding changes are mentioned, but the council’s work will guide future health policies and education funding.
2026-19911, Modification of Living Organ Donation Reimbursement Program Eligibility Guidelines in Response To Honor Our Living Donors Act
Starting now, living organ donors can get reimbursed without worrying about the recipient’s household income thanks to the new Honor Our Living Donors Act. This change makes it easier for more donors to get up to $6,000 back for travel, lost wages, and care costs. The updated rules kick in right away, helping donors across the country keep giving life without financial stress.
2026-19886, AIM Incarcerated Women Resource Kit
In 2026, the government gave $750,000 to JSI Research & Training Institute to create a special resource kit for people who care for pregnant and new moms in jail. This kit will help healthcare and correctional staff provide better support for incarcerated women during pregnancy and after birth. The project runs from June 2026 to February 2027 and aims to improve care for a vulnerable group.
2026-19883, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Public Comment Request; National Marrow Donor Program Patient Support Center Survey
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is asking for public feedback on a survey that checks how happy patients and their families are with the National Marrow Donor Program’s support services. This survey helps improve care for people needing or having had a bone marrow transplant. Comments are open until October 29, 2026, and there’s no cost to participate—just your honest thoughts!
2026-19578, Health Center Program Performance Period Extensions
Health centers with current funding ending between December 2026 and February 2027 will get extra money and time to keep serving their communities without interruption. These 272 centers will get about $527 million total, extending their support through mid-2027 while they apply for new funding. This move ensures patients keep getting care smoothly while HRSA sorts out the next round of awards.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-24234, Roster of Arbitrators-Annual Update
The Surface Transportation Board is updating its list of arbitrators who help settle rail-related disputes. Current arbitrators must confirm they want to stay on the list and update their info, while new folks with rail and dispute experience can apply by January 29, 2026. This update keeps the roster fresh and ready, with no direct cost changes but important for anyone involved in rail arbitration.
Next: 2025-24236, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of America (Formerly Gulf of Mexico)
NOAA just updated the rules for WesternGeco’s oil and gas surveys in the Gulf of America, letting them accidentally disturb a few marine mammals—but only in a way that won’t harm the population. This new permission lasts until April 19, 2026, keeping the balance between energy exploration and protecting sea life. If you’re curious, all the details and documents are online for anyone to check out!