Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S. However, the number of cervical cancer deaths has decreased significantly over the last 40 years.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Currently about 80 million people, or one in four Americans, are infected with HPV. Typically HPV causes no symptoms and will go away on its own. If it does not, there is a chance it could cause cervical cancer.  

Each year about 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S. If it is found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and associated with long survival. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular Pap tests. These tests look for precancers which may become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately.

The state health plan allows women ages 18-65 to receive a Pap test each calendar year at no cost to its members. The plan also covers the HPV test in combination with a Pap test once every five years for women 30-65. When a member receives a Pap test at an in-network provider, only the lab fee and the portion of the office visit associated with the Pap test is covered.