Timely access to health care.
If passed, AB 2775 would modify existing healthcare laws under the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975. The bill specifically mandates that enrollees must have access to follow-up appointments with mental health care providers within a maximum of 10 business days. This change would likely impact health care service regulations and standards, pushing for more responsiveness from healthcare providers and insurers regarding patient appointments. It is expected to enhance the patient experience within the healthcare system, particularly for those needing mental health services.
Assembly Bill 2775 aims to improve patient access to healthcare by establishing timeliness standards for appointments, particularly nonemergency follow-up visits with mental health providers. Introduced by Assembly Member Ting, this legislation emphasizes the need for health care service plans to ensure that patients receive timely health services, thereby addressing a growing concern regarding access in California's healthcare landscape. It reflects the broader legislative intent to ensure that patient healthcare access is readily available and regulated to meet contemporary healthcare demands.
The introduction of AB 2775 may lead to discussions about the regulatory responsibilities of healthcare service plans and potential pushback from insurers regarding the implementation of strict timelines for appointment availability. There may be concerns from stakeholders about the feasibility of meeting these standards within the current healthcare infrastructure, which can affect resource allocation and overall operational capabilities. Critics might argue that while the bill intends to improve access to mental health care, it could inadvertently strain existing resources or lead to increased costs for healthcare plans.