Oregon to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Diagnostic Testing Costs for Patients

New law could pave the way for similar policies across the U.S.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Oregon has passed a law requiring insurers to cover the costs of diagnostic testing for cervical cancer, making it the first state in the country to do so. The measure aims to improve access to critical follow-up care after abnormal screening results, which can range from $200 to $1,200 out of pocket for patients. Advocates say the new law is an important step toward lowering cervical cancer rates and reducing barriers to preventive care, especially for vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

Cervical cancer is one of the few types of cancer that can be treated in a precancerous stage, making early detection and follow-up care crucial. However, the high costs of diagnostic testing have led some patients to forgo necessary procedures. Oregon's new law is expected to improve access to care and potentially serve as a model for other states looking to eliminate financial barriers to cervical cancer prevention.

The details

The Oregon law, which passed both legislative chambers unanimously, will require insurers to cover the costs of colposcopies and biopsies for cervical cancer patients starting in 2027. This comes after the state passed a similar law related to breast cancer diagnostic costs in 2023. The new policy was partly inspired by the ongoing treatment of Oregon Rep. Annessa Hartman for Stage 3 cervical cancer. Advocates say the law will have minimal fiscal impact on the state's budget, as it aligns with recent federal guidance requiring most insurance plans to cover follow-up testing without cost-sharing.

  • The Oregon legislature passed the bill unanimously on February 25, 2026.
  • The law will take effect on January 1, 2027 and apply to insurance plans beginning that year.

The players

Dr. Carrie Frederick

A physician in Oregon with 14 years of experience who has witnessed patients forgoing necessary cervical cancer diagnostic testing due to the high costs.

Jane Leo

The Oregon government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, which aims to remove cost-sharing on all cancer diagnostic treatments nationwide.

Dr. Julia Barnes

The legislative chair in Oregon for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who helped develop the state's cervical cancer testing bill.

Rep. Annessa Hartman

An Oregon state representative who announced she was undergoing treatment for Stage 3 cervical cancer, helping to punctuate the importance of the new law.

Tina Kotek

The Democratic governor of Oregon, who is expected to sign the cervical cancer diagnostic testing bill into law.

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What they’re saying

“I've definitely found myself bargaining internally, like, can I get away with two biopsies so this patient doesn't end up with a bill?”

— Dr. Carrie Frederick, Physician (dailyfly.com)

“It gives Oregon the authority to actually enforce it, and federal guidelines can change.”

— Dr. Julia Barnes, Legislative Chair, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (dailyfly.com)

“It's just really awful when you see people who have either delayed follow-up because it's going to cost them, or they're not aware, or they missed the window to get the vaccine.”

— Dr. Julia Barnes, Legislative Chair, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The new federal regulation requiring most insurance plans to cover follow-up cervical cancer testing without cost-sharing is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, the same year Oregon's new law will be implemented.

The takeaway

Oregon's landmark legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer diagnostic testing could serve as a model for other states looking to improve access to this critical preventive care. By reducing financial barriers, the law aims to help catch more cases of cervical cancer in the precancerous stage and ultimately save lives.