Bill > SB62

This bill aims to review and update California's essential health benefits benchmark plan for health care service plans starting in the 2027 plan year. If approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new benchmark plan would include additional benefits such as comprehensive fertility services (including artificial insemination, embryo creation, testing, cryopreservation, and surrogacy coverage) and expanded durable medical equipment coverage (including mobility devices, communication aids, CPAP machines, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds). The bill would also mandate an annual hearing exam and one hearing aid per ear every three years. These changes would apply to individual and small group health care service plan contracts, with the goal of expanding access to fertility treatments and medical equipment. Because the bill introduces potential new criminal penalties for violations, it is considered a state-mandated local program, though the bill specifies that no reimbursement would be required for implementing these changes. The proposed updates build upon existing health care coverage requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and aim to provide more comprehensive health benefits to California residents.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB62