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AB 499

Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Ortega

AB 499 lowers the reimbursement threshold for high-cost medical claims from $70,000 to $50,000, enhancing healthcare access for California's farm workers and their families.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 370, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 499

Summary of AB 499: Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: AB 499
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 370, Statutes of 2025
  • Vote Requirement: Majority
  • Fiscal Committee: Yes
  • Local Program: No

Purpose and Intent

AB 499 aims to amend existing provisions of the Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan, a nonprofit voluntary employees beneficiary association that provides healthcare and other benefits to its members. The bill seeks to enhance financial support for the plan by lowering the threshold for reimbursement from the State Department of Health Care Services for high-cost medical claims.

Key Provisions

  • Reimbursement Threshold: The bill lowers the reimbursement threshold for claims from $70,000 to $50,000. This means that the state will reimburse the plan for claim payments exceeding $50,000 made on behalf of eligible employees or their dependents for a single episode of care.
  • Annual Reimbursement Cap: The total reimbursement amount remains capped at $3,000,000 per year.
  • Claims Submission: The Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan must submit verified claims data to the Department of Health Care Services annually, starting after September 1, 2017. This data must be verified by an independent certified public accountant.
  • Reimbursement Process: The Department is required to analyze the submitted claims data and reimburse the plan within 60 days of receipt, based on the determined aggregate amount of claims that exceed $50,000.
  • Expiration Date: The provisions of this section will remain in effect until January 1, 2031, unless extended or repealed by subsequent legislation.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are farm workers and their dependents who are eligible for the Robert F. Kennedy Farm Workers Medical Plan. The bill aims to provide them with better access to healthcare by reducing the financial burden associated with high-cost medical claims.
  • Financial Implications: By lowering the reimbursement threshold, the bill is expected to increase the number of claims eligible for state reimbursement, thereby providing more financial support to the medical plan and its members.

Procedural Timeline

  • 2025-10-06: Approved by the Governor.
  • 2025-09-15: Enrolled and presented to the Governor.
  • 2025-09-08: Passed in the Senate and ordered to the Assembly.
  • 2025-08-29: Passed out of committee with a do pass recommendation.
  • 2025-06-11: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health.
  • 2025-02-10: Read first time and printed.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of AB 499, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on California's farm workers and their healthcare access.

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

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