MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
22-400m New Law Requires Coverage for At-Home Specimen Collection Kits for HIV and STD
Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB-GYN +1 more·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Jan 1, 2022
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
California Senate Bill 306 now requires coverage of at-home HIV and STD test kits when ordered by in-network providers, with associated lab processing costs covered when medically necessary. This applies to Medi-Cal members in Fresno, Kings, and Madera counties, requiring providers to arrange test kits similar to other specimen collection procedures.
Action Required
Immediately: Providers must establish relationships with FDA & CLIA approved lab companies for at-home HIV/STD test kit ordering. Write prescriptions/orders directly to preferred labs (PPG physicians check with their PPG for preferred labs, Direct Network/PPO physicians use CalViva Health's preferred labs). Update workflows to include test kit arrangement, member registration instructions, and result review processes. Bill laboratory services using standard lab billing procedures.