This is my archive
Filter Results
Hide Filters
Search
Filter by Category
Filter by State
Filter by Topic
2025 California Snapshot
The Healthcare Affordability Snapshot provides legislators, consumer advocates, regulators and other stakeholders a tool to compare their state’s health policies across other states. The categories examined in this resource explore a variety of policy options that have previously appeared in the Scorecard, as well as additional policies that impact health care affordability. Policies were selected […]
Read MoreMillions of Californians gain access to affordable IVF under new law
California will soon require many health insurers to cover in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments, reports CalMatters. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, large group health plans must pay for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF, easing the financial burden on the roughly 9 million Californians who struggle to conceive. The new law also expands […]
Read MorePoll: Californians’ Express Concerns about Health Care Costs and Mental Health Access
A recent statewide poll in California found that a large majority of voters are concerned about healthcare costs, reports Cal Matters. The survey found that nearly 90% of people polled statewide said they’d like to see the next governor prioritize caps on out-of-pocket health costs. Many respondents also reported mental health access as a key concern, and […]
Read MoreCalifornia Governor Vetoes Hormone Therapy Insurance Mandate
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required insurers to cover up to a year’s supply of hormone therapy, reports Becker’s Payer Issues. The veto maintains current limits on refill durations, leaving most patients restricted to shorter prescription intervals. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between expanding equitable access to care and controlling broader […]
Read MoreCalifornia Hospital Association Sues State Office Over Spending Caps
The California Hospital Association (CHA) has filed a lawsuit against the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) challenging recently adopted caps on hospital spending growth, reports Newsweek. CHA filed the lawsuit based on the argument that the spending-growth caps will undermine access to care and strain hospital finances. The spending-growth cap is set at 3.5 % beginning […]
Read MoreCalifornia to Offer $11 State-Produced Insulin
The state of California will become the first U.S. state to sell its own insulin under a state-branded program (CalRx) beginning January 1, 2026, reports Politico. The initiative aims to reduce the cost of lifesaving diabetes medication, which previously sold for substantially more in the market. The program is a partnership between the state, nonprofit manufacturer Civica […]
Read MoreCalifornia Passes Law to Regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 41, which aims to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and curb drug costs in the state, reports the Sacramento Bee. Under the new law, PBMs must obtain a license from the state, submit to regulatory oversight, and comply with disclosure requirements about rebates and claims. The bill also prohibits […]
Read MoreCalifornia Bill Eliminating Prior-Authorization Barriers Signed into Law
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that allows the Department of Managed Health Care to exempt certain services from prior authorization when insurers routinely approve them, reports Becker’s Payer Issues. This reform is expected to reduce delays and administrative expenses, which can translate into lower total cost of care and improved timely access for patients. The policy […]
Read MoreCalifornia Forms Health Alliance with Oregon, Washington
California, Washington and Oregon have announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, designed to coordinate vaccine-recommendation policies and public-health guidance independent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports Reuters. Under the alliance, the states say they will issue unified recommendations on who should receive vaccines even if federal guidance changes, aiming to […]
Read MoreCalifornia Delays Implementing Mandated Fertility Benefits
Implementation of California’s new infertility coverage mandate has been delayed by six months, reports My Benefit Advisor. Starting in January 2026, all large group health plans will be required to cover comprehensive infertility benefits, including IVF, while small group insurers must offer at least one plan with these benefits. Policymakers say the delay allows insurers more time […]
Read More