As the country prepares for it, potential policy As change continues under President-elect Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” mantra, the nation’s most populous state and largest health care market is undergoing some unique changes. We are preparing for change.
Democrats in the California Legislature, with supermajorities in both chambers, passed the law, which goes into effect this year, and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it. erase medical debt Allow public health authorities to inspect your credit report immigration detention centerrequiring health insurance companies to provide coverage. Fertility treatment services such as in vitro fertilization.
Still, industry experts say it’s been a relatively quiet year for health policy in the Golden State, with heightened attention to a polarizing presidential election and several state legislators in battleground states. This may also be due to the fact that he was trying to avoid controversial issues in order to run for Congress in the United States.
Mr. Newsom rejected some of lawmakers’ most ambitious health care proposals, including giving states the power to regulate intermediaries in the pharmaceutical industry and block private equity deals in the health sector.
Health policy experts say advocates and lawmakers are now focused on how to defend progressive California policies such as radical treatments. access to abortion within the state health insurance for immigrants Residence in the United States without authorization.
“I think everyone is thinking about how we’re going to approach 2025,” said Rachel Lynn Gish, a spokeswoman for Health Access California, a consumer health advocacy group. “We’re still figuring out what’s vulnerable, what we’re exposed to on the federal side, and what the budget changes mean for our work. It puts a cloud on everything. Something like that.”
Here are some of the biggest new health laws Californians should know about.
medical debt
California becomes 8th state where medical debt no longer affects patients credit report Or credit score. SB1061 It prohibits health care providers and debt collectors from reporting unpaid medical bills to credit bureaus, a practice that advocates say punish someone Fewer people will seek emergency care, which could make it harder for patients to find jobs, buy cars, or secure mortgages.
Critics, including the California Collector’s Association, called Sen. Monique Limón’s (D-Santa Barbara) move “unjust.”tremendous excess” and successfully lobbied for amendments that would limit the scope of the bill, such as waiving medical debt incurred on credit cards.
Biden administration proposes nationwide federal regulations This will ensure that unpaid medical bills no longer impact a patient’s credit score, but even with President Trump in office, the fate of these changes remains uncertain.
Psychiatric hospitalization of violent offenders
A violent criminal with severe mental illness will be held for an extended period of time after a judge ordered his release from a state psychiatric hospital.
State officials and local law enforcement agencies will have 30 days to arrange housing, medication, and behavioral health treatment for parolees, giving them far more time than the five-day deadline previously in effect. It will be done.
invoice It drew overwhelming bipartisan support after a high-profile case in San Francisco in which a 61-year-old man was charged with repeatedly stabbing a bakery employee just days after being released from a state psychiatric hospital. The bill’s author, Rep. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), said the previous five-day timeline was “dangerously short.”
Cosmetics and “eternal chemicals”
California has become the first state to ban PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” from being used in all cosmetics sold or manufactured within state borders. Synthetic compounds are found in everyday items such as rain jackets, food packaging, lipstick, and shaving cream. related to cancercongenital abnormalities, and decreased immune function are on the rise. detected in drinking water.
Industry representatives claim The use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is important in some products, and some products are also known to be safe to use at certain levels.
Immigration detention facility
rear The outbreak of the new coronavirus infection (Covid-19)contaminated water, and moldy food were the subject of detainee complaints and lawsuits, and the state Legislature authorized local county health departments to inspect private facilities. immigration detention center. SB1132The paper, by Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), will require public health officials to ensure that privately run facilities are properly ventilated, basic physical and mental health care, and state and local public health standards regarding food safety. You will be able to assess compliance with regulations.
Although the federal government regulates immigration, California’s six federal detention centers are run by GEO Group. GEO, one of the nation’s largest private prison contractors, endless complaints related to health And safety. Unlike public prisons and jails, which are inspected annually, these facilities will only be inspected when deemed necessary.
contractor filed a lawsuit In October, he called for a halt to enforcement of the law, calling it an unconstitutional overturn on the federal government’s authority to regulate immigration detention centers. A hearing in the case is scheduled for March 3, said Bethany Lesser, a spokeswoman for California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The law took effect on January 1st.
Doctors vs. insurance companies using AI
As major insurance companies increasingly use artificial intelligence as a tool to analyze patient claims and approve some treatments, industry groups representing doctors say AI algorithms are leading to increased denials of necessary treatments. I’m concerned that it’s causing this. Lawmakers agreed unanimously.
SB1120 It states that the determination of whether treatment is medically necessary can only be made by a qualified physician or other health care provider who reviews the patient’s medical history and other records.
Sick leave and protected leave
Two new laws expand the circumstances under which California workers can use sick leave and other leave. SB1105 Give farmworkers who work outdoors the right to paid sick leave to avoid heat, smoke, and flooding if local or state officials declare a state of emergency.
AB 2499 Expanded the list of reasons employees can take paid sick leave or use protected unpaid leave to include supporting families experiencing domestic violence or other violent crimes .
Prescription labels for the visually impaired
Starting this year, pharmacies will be required to provide and use drug labels. Instructions in Braillelarge print, or audio for visually impaired patients.
Supporters of the move argue that a state law that already requires translation of instructions in five languages for non-English speakers means visually impaired patients are being overlooked, and that patients with visual impairments are being overlooked and need to monitor prescriptions and ensure correct doses. He said it was becoming difficult to take the medication.
maternal mental health examination
Health insurers are required to: Strengthening maternal mental health programs By mandating additional screening to better detect perinatal depression, which affects 1 in 5 women. people giving birth in californiaaccording to state data. Pregnant women will now be tested at least once during pregnancy, then six weeks after giving birth, and further tests if their health care provider deems it necessary.
Penalties for threatening medical personnel (abortion clinic)
California, which has put abortion care at the center of a national policy battle, has cracked down on those who threaten, post personal information or otherwise target providers and patients at abortion clinics. are. Penalties for such actions increase based on: AB2099violators can be charged with a felony, with a repeat offense or violent behavior punishable by up to three years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Previously, state law classified many of these crimes as misdemeanors.
Insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization
Starting in July, state-regulated health insurance plans for 50 or more employees will be required to cover infertility services based on the following provisions: SB729passed and signed last year. Advocates have been fighting for the benefit for years, but it is essential care for many families struggling to conceive, and LGBTQ+ couples are starting families more often than heterosexual couples. They will no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs.
In his signing statement, Newsom said: MPs asked for postponement The law will remain in place until 2026 as state officials consider whether to add infertility treatment to the Act. List of benefits covered by insurance You need a plan to cover.
It’s unclear whether the Legislature intends to take up the issue this session, but a spokesperson for the governor said Newsom “has clearly stated his position on the need for an extension” and “continues to discuss the issue with the Legislature.” We will cooperate.”
Plans under the California Public Employees Retirement System, CalPERS, have until July 2027 to comply.
This article was created by KFF Health News, We are a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism on health issues and are one of the nation’s central operating programs. KFF — An independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. KFF Health News is california healthlinean editorially independent service. california healthcare foundation.
