New health insurance law covers infertility, substance abuse treatment and more
Recently, California has taken significant steps to transform healthcare for its residents by enacting a series of new laws. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation designed to support women facing infertility and families caring for relatives dealing with substance abuse.
One standout measure mandates that large insurance companies provide coverage for infertility diagnosis, treatments, and reproductive services. This includes coverage for up to three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers. Notably, the definition of “infertility” has been expanded to include individuals who require medical assistance to conceive, addressing the needs of diverse gender groups and same-sex couples looking to start families. This law, set to take effect in July 2025, aims to make fertility treatments and in vitro fertilization much more affordable for millions of Californians.
In another significant move, a new law prohibits the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tampon production. Manufacturers are required to comply with this regulation by January 1, 2029, which includes providing detailed product information and registering with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control by July 1, 2029. Companies that do not follow these guidelines will face penalties.
Additionally, California has introduced 12 new bills targeting Alzheimer’s Disease to improve care for patients and their families. These laws mandate that law enforcement and healthcare providers receive training on effectively interacting with individuals who have Alzheimer’s, autism, and dementia. Furthermore, medical professionals specializing in geriatric care will need to partake in ongoing education related to age-related pathology and dementia care.
In another effort to better tackle substance abuse, the legislation now permits mental health rehabilitation centers and psychiatric institutions to offer 24-hour inpatient care for individuals struggling with severe addiction issues. With increased flexibility in management, treatment facilities will be better equipped to accommodate patients facing substance use disorders.
Finally, the law establishes a requirement for commercial insurance companies to categorize donated breast milk as a necessity, aligning it with Medi-Cal standards. This provision is designed to support families that are unable to produce enough breast milk for their newborns, ensuring access to pasteurized donor milk as a crucial nutritional resource for underweight infants.
