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CaliforniaAB 9512025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Health care coverage: behavioral diagnoses.

Sponsored By: Tri Ta (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Autism therapy coverage now required

The law requires health plans and insurance policies that cover medical care to also cover behavioral treatment for autism. This applies starting July 1, 2012, and follows existing state rules for this care. Plans do not have to cover more than the federal essential health benefits. This law does not change Medi-Cal or school special education services.

No new diagnosis to keep care

For plan contracts and policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, you do not need a new diagnosis to keep coverage if you already have an autism diagnosis. Your doctor can still reevaluate you or order a new diagnosis. Plans and insurers may use utilization review, which is different from a diagnosis check. They may not stop or delay your current treatment while waiting for a new diagnosis.

Plans must keep autism providers in-network

Health plans and insurers must keep enough qualified autism providers in their networks. Those providers must supervise or employ qualified professionals and paraprofessionals who deliver the treatment. Plans and insurers can still choose who they contract with if the network stays adequate.

Some plans are exempt from coverage

Some plans are not subject to the autism coverage rule. Specialized plans that do not provide mental or behavioral health services are exempt. Limited policies like accident‑only, specified disease, hospital indemnity, and Medicare supplement plans are also exempt. Medi-Cal contracts and policies are excluded.

Copays and prior auth still allowed

Plans and insurers can use case management, network rules, prior authorization, and other utilization review for autism treatment. They can require copays and other cost sharing within state limits. These tools can help keep coverage stable, but they may raise out-of-pocket costs for some families.

Qualified providers and six-month plan reviews

Behavioral treatment must be prescribed by a licensed physician or developed by a licensed psychologist. Care must follow a written treatment plan with measurable goals. The plan must be reviewed at least every six months. Services must be delivered by qualified autism providers, professionals, or paraprofessionals who meet set license, certification, or training standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tri Ta

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Juan Alanis

    Republican • House

  • Carl DeMaio

    Republican • House

  • Caroline Menjivar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Stephanie Nguyen

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2025

Item 16 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 77 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/10/2025

Item 164 — Senate SFLOOR

Yes: 37 • No: 0

legislature vote • 6/18/2025

Vote in CS60

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 4/24/2025

Item 145 — Assembly AFLOOR

Yes: 75 • No: 0

legislature vote • 4/9/2025

Vote in CX25

Yes: 14 • No: 0

legislature vote • 3/25/2025

Vote in CX08

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 84, Statutes of 2025.

    7/30/2025Senate

  2. Approved by the Governor.

    7/30/2025legislature

  3. Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11:30 a.m.

    7/18/2025legislature

  4. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 77. Noes 0. Page 2532.).

    7/14/2025House

  5. In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.

    7/10/2025House

  6. Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 2043.).

    7/10/2025Senate

  7. Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

    7/8/2025Senate

  8. From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar.

    7/7/2025Senate

  9. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    6/23/2025Senate

  10. From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 18).

    6/19/2025Senate

  11. Referred to Com. on HEALTH.

    5/7/2025Senate

  12. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

    4/24/2025Senate

  13. Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 75. Noes 0. Page 1279.)

    4/24/2025House

  14. Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

    4/10/2025House

  15. From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 9).

    4/9/2025House

  16. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (March 25). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

    3/26/2025House

  17. Coauthors revised.

    3/26/2025House

  18. Referred to Com. on HEALTH.

    3/10/2025House

  19. From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.

    2/21/2025House

  20. Read first time. To print.

    2/20/2025House

Bill Text

  • Chaptered

    7/30/2025

    HTML

  • Enrolled

    7/16/2025

    HTML

  • Amended Senate

    6/23/2025

    HTML

  • Introduced

    2/20/2025

    HTML

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