HHS has finalized updated cervical cancer screening guidelines that will require most health insurers to cover self-collection testing and additional screening procedures beginning in 2027.
The guidelines were published by the Health Resources and Services Administration on Jan. 5 and designate high-risk human papillomavirus testing as the preferred screening method for average-risk women ages 30 to 65, whether samples are collected by a patient or clinician. Cervical cytology, or Pap testing, remains an option for that age group and is still recommended for average-risk women ages 21 to 29.
Under the updated rules, most health plans must cover any additional testing needed to complete the screening process for malignancies.
The self-collection option follows FDA approval of self-collection tests in 2024 and 2025. HRSA cited a comprehensive evidence review showing self-collection is as effective as clinician collection. The guidelines align with updated cervical cancer screening recommendations released by the American Cancer Society in December.
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