December 25th 2024.
Starting on January 1st, 2025, several new laws related to healthcare will go into effect in California. These laws were recently signed by the governor and are expected to directly impact the lives of Californians. Every year, numerous bills are passed in the state, but the California Chronic Care Coalition makes sure to review them and advocate for patients' needs to be addressed. Out of all the bills passed, there are five in particular that are expected to have a significant impact on those with chronic or rare diseases.
Firstly, AB 2258 requires health plans and insurers to cover services that are essential for recommended preventive care, without additional cost to patients. This means that individuals can expect to see a reduction in their financial burden as health plans are no longer allowed to add extra fees for preventive services and screenings that are considered crucial by California's health code.
Secondly, AB 2613 establishes the Jacqueline Marie Zbur Rare Disease Advisory Council, with the goal of improving access to services for those with rare diseases. This council will work towards developing recommendations, securing grants, and advocating for individuals with rare diseases.
Thirdly, SB 729 expands healthcare coverage by mandating insurance providers to cover infertility diagnoses and services. This ensures that individuals facing infertility will have access to comprehensive treatment.
In addition, SB 1061 prohibits healthcare providers from reporting patient medical debt to credit agencies, providing relief to those burdened by medical expenses. And finally, AB 1842 requires health plans to cover at least one medication in each of four categories related to opiate addiction, treatment, and overdose, without the need for prior authorization or other restrictions.
However, these five bills are just a small portion of the hundreds of bills passed in California each year that have the potential to impact healthcare access, treatment, and insurance coverage. Liz Helms, the President and CEO of the California Chronic Care Coalition, emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing health plans to ensure that providers, medications, and treatments are still covered and to understand any associated fees and cost-sharing.
Moving forward, the California Chronic Care Coalition will continue to monitor proposed bills and work with member advocates, legislators, and other stakeholders to promote the interests and concerns of California patients. While these five bills may not represent all the changes happening in the healthcare system, the Coalition believes they will have a noticeable impact on individuals facing ongoing and long-term treatment.
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