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Bill

AB 1970

Health care coverage: mental health or substance use disorders.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 2 co-sponsors

AB 1970 establishes or strengthens California health insurance coverage requirements for mental health and substance use disorder treatment services.

Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 1970

Legislative bill overview

AB 1970 addresses health care coverage requirements for mental health and substance use disorder treatment in California. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember John Harabedian, is currently in its early legislative stage and has just been printed for committee consideration scheduled for March 16, 2026.

Why is this important

Mental health and substance use disorders affect millions of Californians, and insurance coverage gaps can prevent people from accessing necessary treatment. This bill directly impacts whether health insurers must provide adequate coverage for these conditions, which affects both individual health outcomes and public health costs related to untreated behavioral health conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurer costs vs. coverage mandates: Insurance companies may argue that expanded mental health/SUD coverage requirements increase premiums, while advocates will contend current coverage is inadequate
  • Definition and scope: Disagreement over what treatments, providers, and duration of care should be covered (therapy, medication, inpatient care, etc.)
  • Parity enforcement: Questions about how the state will ensure mental health coverage achieves true parity with physical health coverage, as required by existing law

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

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