Bill > SB62

This bill intends to review and update California's essential health benefits benchmark plan for health care service plans, with specific changes to take effect in January 2027. If approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the new benchmark plan would require health care service plans to include additional benefits such as comprehensive fertility services (including artificial insemination, embryo creation, gamete retrieval, and surrogacy coverage) and expanded durable medical equipment coverage (like mobility devices, communication aids, CPAP machines, portable oxygen, and hospital beds). The bill also adds an annual hearing exam and one hearing aid per ear every three years. These changes aim to expand health care coverage for Californians, particularly in areas of fertility treatment and medical equipment support. The proposed modifications would apply to individual and small group health care service plan contracts, ensuring that these additional benefits become a standard part of health coverage. Because the bill could potentially create new requirements that might be considered a crime if violated, it is technically a state-mandated local program, though the bill specifies that no additional reimbursement is required for implementing these changes.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

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