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AB 1032

Coverage for behavioral health visits.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Harabedian and 1 co-sponsor

AB 1032 mandates coverage for up to 12 behavioral health visits for wildfire-affected individuals, ensuring immediate access without utilization reviews.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
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Bill Summary · AB 1032

Summary of AB 1032: Coverage for Behavioral Health Visits

Overview

Bill Number: AB 1032
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Consideration of Governor's veto pending
Author: Assemblymember Harabedian
Classification: Bill
Subject: Coverage for behavioral health visits

AB 1032 aims to enhance access to behavioral health services for individuals affected by wildfires in California. The bill mandates specific coverage provisions for health care service plans and insurance policies in the context of declared emergencies.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of AB 1032 is to ensure that individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, or displacement due to wildfires can access necessary behavioral health services without facing barriers such as utilization reviews. This legislation recognizes the mental health impacts of natural disasters and aims to provide timely support to affected individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Coverage Requirement:

    • Effective January 1, 2026, large group health care service plans and health insurance policies must cover or reimburse eligible enrollees for up to 12 visits with a behavioral health provider if they reside in a county where a local or state emergency has been declared due to wildfires.
    • Coverage applies to individuals who have experienced loss, trauma, or displacement as a result of the fires.

  • Utilization Review Prohibition:

    • The 12 visits will not be subject to utilization review, allowing for immediate access to care without additional administrative hurdles.

  • Network Flexibility:

    • Enrollees can access services from any behavioral health provider, regardless of whether the provider is in-network or out-of-network.
    • Noncontracting providers may only charge the enrollee the in-network cost-sharing amount.

  • Notification Requirement:

    • Health care service plans must notify all affected enrollees of their rights under this provision within 30 days of the emergency declaration.

  • Exemptions:

    • The bill does not apply to specialized health care service plans covering only dental or vision benefits, Medicare supplement plans, or Medi-Cal managed care plans.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The bill primarily impacts individuals living in counties affected by wildfires who have suffered trauma or displacement. It also affects health care service plans and insurers that must comply with the new coverage requirements.

  • Legal Implications:

    • A willful violation of these provisions by a health care service plan would be classified as a crime, establishing a state-mandated local program.

Procedural Aspects

  • Urgency Clause:

    • The bill is designated as an urgency statute, meaning it is intended to take effect immediately upon passage.

  • Legislative Journey:

    • The bill has passed through various committees and legislative votes, with the latest action being the consideration of the Governor's veto on October 13, 2025.

Conclusion

AB 1032 represents a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of individuals affected by wildfires in California. By ensuring access to behavioral health services without the barriers of utilization review, the bill aims to provide timely support to those in crisis.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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