For more information about insurance coverage of clinical trial costs, see this feature's main page: States That Require Health Plans to Cover Patient Care Costs in Clinical Trials.

Legislation: Senate Bill 37

Effective: August 2001

What clinical trials are covered?

Phase I, II, III, and IV clinical trials with a therapeutic intent for patients with cancer and recommended by a treating physician. Trial must either involve a drug exempt from a New Drug Application (NDA) under federal regulations, or be approved by one of the following:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Who is required to pay?

All California insurers, including the state's Medicaid program and other medical assistance programs.

Other key criteria:

• Plan may restrict coverage to services in California unless protocol is not provided at a California hospital or by a California physician.