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 1. Legislation: Senate Bill 37 2 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.