Health Legislation: It's Bill Signin' Season in California

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Published on
October 10, 2011

california health legislation, reporting on health, health journalismIt's worth checking in on some important health legislation recently signed by California Gov. Jerry Brown. These bills are expected to help Californians get better access to health care and to prepare the state for health reform. California reporters might want to create calendar reminders to see how these new laws are working out six and 12 months after they take effect. Are they really improving health care in California? Are they being enforced?

Maternity Coverage: SB 222 (Evans/Alquist)/AB 210 (R. Hernandez) requires individual health insurance policies to provide coverage for maternity services for every person covered under those policies. Previously, insurers often deleted maternity coverage from individual policies, making it difficult for women of child-bearing age to get coverage for the health care they need. Question: will these policies be affordable to the average consumer?

Medical Loss Ratios: SB 51 (Alquist) requires health insurers offering large group policies to spend at least 85% of premiums on services for patients. This legislation replicates federal medical loss ratio rules. The new law also prohibits insurers from setting lifetime limits on benefits.

Consumer Assistance: AB 922 (Monning)This legislation expands the powers of the Office of Patient Advocate to serve as a clearinghouse for Californians with questions or complaints about health care and coverage as health reform rolls out in the state. Question: will anyone actually answer the phone when someone calls with a complaint or question?

Eligibility and Enrollment: AB 1296 (Bonilla) The new law streamlines enrollment regulations and procedures for determining Californians' eligibility for programs like Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and the state's new health insurance exchange. Question: will Californians really find it easier to enroll in these programs? Will communications be translated or only distributed in English?

Guaranteed Issue For Medi-Gap Plans: AB 151 (Monning)Allows seniors to switch from Medicare Advantage plans back to traditional Medicare coverage by providing "guaranteed issue" access to Medi-Gap plans without regard to pre-existing conditions. Question: how will seniors know about their options?

Reporting Resources:

Health Access: This advocacy group tracks California health legislation.

Around the Capitol: This site tracks California political news and the status of state legislation.

Photo credit: Schoolhouse Rock