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 199 2 Effective: January 2002 What clinical trials are covered? The law extends coverage to all people diagnosed with a life-threatening condition who choose to enroll in a Phase II, III, or IV clinical trial. Includes clinical trials approved and funded by any one of the following: National Institutes of Health (NIH) NIH cooperative group or center U.S. Food and Drug Administration Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Who is required to pay? All health insurance plans and the teachers' and state employees' comprehensive major medical plan. Other key provisions: Mandated coverage is effective for health plans that are in effect or renewed on or after March 1, 2002. Patients suffering from a life-threatening disease or chronic condition may designate a specialist who is capable of coordinating their health care needs as their primary care physician. The law also established an Office of Managed Care Patient Assistance.