Fighting Cancer for Women’s Health: A Historic Opportunity to Pass Legislation in California

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Noreen Evans
Member
California State Assembly

Last year, the Legislature came close to enacting comprehensive reforms to our state’s health care system. While that effort met a disappointing end, I remain committed to resolving fundamental deficiencies in our health care system.

This year, we have a historic opportunity to improve women’s health by confronting one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women.

California has the highest incidence of cervical cancer in the nation. The real tragedy is that this disease is largely preventable. With a vaccine against the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which causes cervical cancer, we have a historic opportunity to save countless lives.

So that all women can obtain the vaccine, I’ve authored Assembly Bill (AB) 16 with Assemblymember Ed Hernandez, MD (D-West Covina) to require insurers and health plans to cover the cost of the vaccine if they already cover cervical cancer screenings like the Pap test. While the Governor vetoed a similar bill that I authored last year, I reintroduced this critical legislation because I believe in persistence when the cause is right and just. And, California’s women can’t wait. Each year, more than 1,400 are diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 400 will die from the disease.

Two years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the widespread use of an extremely effective vaccine against the two strains of HPV which cause most cases of cervical cancer. However, current law fails to protect millions of women and girls throughout the state by only requiring coverage of the vaccine for girls aged sixteen years or younger who belong to group plans.

The vaccine requires three doses which cost approximately $120 each. Naturally, those least likely to be able to afford the vaccine are those most likely to develop cervical cancer. As with so many other diseases, low-income women and women of color are woefully overrepresented in cervical cancer mortality rates.

In his veto message last year, the Governor argued that this mandate on insurance companies would drive up premiums, making health insurance less affordable and more inaccessible. But, the Governor’s rationale doesn’t hold up. Most insurers and health plans already cover the vaccine. Also, the vaccine is a one-time expense that would prevent billions in long-term health care costs associated with cervical cancer treatment.

I intend to send AB 16 back to the Governor in the coming weeks. It has gained an outpouring of support from both sides of the aisle and a variety of advocates within the medical community. If passed by the Legislature, the Governor will be presented with a decision that means the difference between life and death for thousands of women throughout California. To help assure this legislation’s passage, you can find out how to contact your legislative representatives here.