Health Insurance; require policies to cover annual pap smear.

HB 1287 requires most health insurance policies covering Mississippi residents to include annual pap smear coverage starting July 1, 2026, without imposing higher deductibles or coinsurance than for similar services. The bill mandates reimbursement rates for pap smears to match Medicare levels and ensures no extra costs for patients if referrals to non-participating providers are needed. It specifically amends the state employees' health insurance plan (Section 25-15-9) to include this coverage. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law. This policy directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients seeking preventive cervical cancer screening.