California AB1970 prohibits health insurance policies from requiring step therapy for mental illness or substance use disorder treatments.

California AB1970 mandates that health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed after January 1, 2027, cannot require step therapy for prescription drugs used to treat serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Exceptions apply if FDA-labeled indications require prior medication or if Medi-Cal contracts necessitate specific coverage. This law does not apply to dental-only, vision-only, Medicare supplement, or nonhealth disability insurance policies.

California AB1970 prohibits health insurance policies from requiring step therapy for mental illness or substance use disorder treatments.

California AB1970 mandates that health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed after January 1, 2027, cannot require step therapy for prescription drugs used to treat serious mental illness or substance use disorder. Exceptions apply if FDA-labeled indications require prior medication or if Medi-Cal contracts necessitate specific coverage. This law does not apply to dental-only, vision-only, Medicare supplement, or nonhealth disability insurance policies.