B. All group plan contracts must provide coverage for an annual gynecological examination, including routine pelvic and clinical breast examinations, performed by a physician, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife participating in the plan, without requiring the prior approval of the primary care physician.

C. If the examination specified in paragraph B reveals a gynecological condition for which another visit to the physician participating in the plan is medically required and appropriate, or for any gynecological care beyond the annual examination, the carrier may require the patient or the examining physician, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife to secure from the patient's primary care physician a referral to the participating physician, certified nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife from whom such care may be obtained.

2. Application. This section applies to all policies and, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 1997. For purposes of this section, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.

Sec. A-12. 24-A MRSA §4242, as reallocated by RR 1995, c. 2, §53, is amended to read:

§4242. Coverage for Pap tests

All health maintenance organization plan contracts and certificates must provide coverage for screening Pap tests recommended by a physician.

Sec. A-13. Application. This Part applies to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after July 1, 2004. For purposes of this Part, all contracts are deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.

PART B

Sec. B-1. 24 MRSA §2318, sub-§6 is enacted to read:

6.__Application.__The requirements of this section apply to all policies, contracts and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State. For