Bill > AB224

This bill aims to review and potentially update California's essential health benefits benchmark plan for health insurers, with specific changes set to take effect in 2027. If approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new benchmark plan would require health insurance policies to include expanded coverage for fertility services and durable medical equipment. The fertility services would cover comprehensive treatments such as artificial insemination, multiple attempts at embryo creation and retrieval, gamete and embryo cryopreservation, unlimited embryo transfers, donor sperm and egg provisions, and surrogacy-related services. The durable medical equipment expansion would include mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers, augmented communication devices, continuous positive airway pressure machines, portable oxygen, hospital beds, and annual hearing exams with hearing aids. This proposed update represents a significant enhancement of required health insurance coverage, particularly in the areas of reproductive health and medical equipment support, potentially providing more comprehensive care options for individuals and families in California.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB224