Potential Impact and Equitable Reach of Senate Bill 306 (SB 306), STD Coverage and Care Act

In 2022, California became the first state to require healthcare plans to cover the costs of home test kits for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including HIV. Home test kits are provided through a prescription or a standing order from a healthcare provider. However, a shortage of healthcare providers in California counties with a large population of demographic groups vulnerable to HIV/STDs, including Latino, Black/African American, and younger residents, limits the potential reach and impact of SB 306.