Bill > SB418

This bill adds new provisions to California's Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code to strengthen nondiscrimination protections in health care coverage. The bill prohibits health care service plans and health insurers from discriminating against subscribers, enrollees, policyholders, or insureds based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Discrimination on the basis of sex is broadly defined to include sex characteristics (such as intersex traits), pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex stereotypes. The bill specifically prevents health care providers from denying or limiting health care services based on an individual's sex assigned at birth, gender identity, or gender otherwise recorded. This includes prohibiting discrimination in enrollment, coverage, claims, cost-sharing, and marketing practices. Health care providers cannot implement categorical exclusions for gender transition or gender-affirming care, and must provide coverage in the most integrated setting appropriate for individuals with disabilities. The bill allows for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons to limit coverage, but these cannot be based on unlawful bias. Health care plans and insurers must include information in their coverage documents about these nondiscrimination requirements and how to file grievances. The law provides cumulative rights and remedies, meaning it does not replace existing protections under other state laws. Because violations could result in criminal penalties, the bill is considered a state-mandated local program.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB418