Bill > SB257

This bill, known as the PARENT Act, amends California law to add pregnancy as a triggering event that allows individuals to enroll in or change their health benefit plans. Specifically, the bill modifies existing health care coverage regulations to include pregnancy as a special enrollment period qualifier for both health care service plans and disability insurers. This means that pregnant individuals will now have a 60-day window to enroll in or switch health insurance plans after becoming pregnant, providing more flexibility for individuals experiencing pregnancy. The bill impacts both individual health benefit plans offered through the state's health insurance exchange and those offered outside the exchange. Because the bill potentially creates a new regulatory requirement that could be considered a crime if willfully violated, it is technically a state-mandated local program. However, the bill includes a provision stating that no reimbursement is required for implementing these changes. The addition of pregnancy as a triggering event aims to provide more accessible health coverage options for pregnant individuals, aligning with broader healthcare accessibility goals.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB257