Most notably in 2010, California was the first state to create a health care exchange in line with PPACA's national standards, which will go into effect in 2014. But hundreds of other health care rulings were passed during the 2009-10 session, and will go into effect in the coming months (some have already). So, the question is: How will these new laws meet the larger goal of improving California's health care system? And by extension, how will they affect your business?
| Date signed | Implication | |
| AB 1602 establishes a new, independent agency for the California Health Care Exchange. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Well before 2014, California will have a forum where individuals and small businesses can compare coverage costs, apply for federal subsidies, and combine purchasing power with individuals across the state. |
| SB 900 mandates that the new exchange be governed by a five-member board, to be appointed jointly by the governor and the legislature. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Creating order from potential chaos, this law establishes governance and a system of checks and balances within the new health care exchange. |
| AB 2244 bans carriers from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and limits what insurers can charge to cover those children. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Besides putting the basic federal prohibition into practice, this law limits insurers' charges against children with disabilities within an open enrollment period. It might also potentially save tens of millions of dollars in the state budget by encouraging families with disabled children to purchase private health insurance, rather than relying on public health programs. |
| AB 2470 eliminates rescissions, preventing patients from being denied key coverage. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Inspired by a core element of PPACA, this legislation will protect consumers until the federal law is implemented. |
| AB 2345 requires that insurers cut cost-sharing for certain preventive services, including pap smears, mammograms, other cancer screenings, and immunizations. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Another federal health mandate that will go into effect across the nation in 2014, this law helps promote a fundamental principle of health care: self-awareness and care. |
| SB 1163 stipulates that insurers must make information about premium increases available for public review, and that consumers must receive 60 days' notice before premiums are raised. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Increases the information flow between insurers and consumers, and gives regulators greater authority in the rate review process. |
| SB 1088 allows young adults to remain on their parents' group coverage plan until they reach age 26. | Sept. 30, 2010 | Again, this provides coverage until the federal law goes into effect in 2014. |
| SB 296 requires every health care service plan, including those that provide mental health services, to distribute identification cards to all enrollees. | Oct. 11, 2009 | Increases accountability on the part of insurers and gives patients easier authority to demand treatment. |
| AB 1541 states that an individual who loses coverage in the Healthy Families Program – or the no-share-of-cost Medi-Cal coverage – has 60 days to request enrollment in group coverage without being considered a late enrollee. | Oct. 11, 2009 | Previously 30 days, this extended period allows for an easier transition time, and may help certain families move from a public health program to a private insurance plan. |
| AB 328 allows insurance transactions, among others, to be conducted electronically. | Oct. 11, 2009 | Allows for an easier sale for agents and an easier purchase for consumers. |
