California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB669 Compare Versions

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1-Amended IN Assembly April 10, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 669Introduced by Assembly Member HaneyFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 10144.521, 10144.522, and 10144.523 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 669, as amended, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage. Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity of in-network health care services and benefits (1) for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and year or (2) for outpatient substance use disorder visits, except as specified. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for in-network coverage of outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 4.Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1937.SEC. 4. Section 10144.521 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.SEC. 5.Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:SEC. 5. Section 10144.522 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 6.Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1939.SEC. 6. Section 10144.523 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
1+CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 669Introduced by Assembly Member HaneyFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 669, as introduced, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage. Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 4. Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.SEC. 5. Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 6. Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
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3- Amended IN Assembly April 10, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 669Introduced by Assembly Member HaneyFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 10144.521, 10144.522, and 10144.523 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 669, as amended, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage. Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity of in-network health care services and benefits (1) for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and year or (2) for outpatient substance use disorder visits, except as specified. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for in-network coverage of outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
3+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 669Introduced by Assembly Member HaneyFebruary 14, 2025 An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 669, as introduced, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage. Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
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5- Amended IN Assembly April 10, 2025
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7-Amended IN Assembly April 10, 2025
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99 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
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1111 Assembly Bill
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1313 No. 669
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1515 Introduced by Assembly Member HaneyFebruary 14, 2025
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1717 Introduced by Assembly Member Haney
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20- An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 10144.521, 10144.522, and 10144.523 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage.
20+ An act to add Sections 1367.047, 1367.048, and 1367.049 to the Health and Safety Code, and to add Sections 10123.1937, 10123.1938, and 10123.1939 to the Insurance Code, relating to health care coverage.
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2222 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
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26-AB 669, as amended, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage.
26+AB 669, as introduced, Haney. Substance use disorder coverage.
2727
28-Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity of in-network health care services and benefits (1) for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and year or (2) for outpatient substance use disorder visits, except as specified. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for in-network coverage of outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
28+Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
2929
3030 Existing law, the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and makes a willful violation of the act a crime. Existing law provides for the regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance. Existing law generally authorizes a health care service plan or health insurer to use prior authorization and other utilization management functions, under which a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional who is competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may approve, modify, delay, or deny requests for health care services based on medical necessity. Existing law requires health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies that provide hospital, medical, or surgical coverage and are issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorders under the same terms and conditions applied to other medical conditions, as specified.
3131
32-On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity of in-network health care services and benefits (1) for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and year or (2) for outpatient substance use disorder visits, except as specified. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for in-network coverage of outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
32+On and after January 1, 2027, this bill would prohibit concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan or policy year, and would prohibit retrospective review of medical necessity for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder, but would require specified review for day 29 and days thereafter of that stay or service. On and after January 1, 2027, the bill would prohibit the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder that are determined medically necessary by the enrollees or insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Because a willful violation of the bills requirements by a health care service plan would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
3333
3434 The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
3535
3636 This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
3737
3838 ## Digest Key
3939
4040 ## Bill Text
4141
42-The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.SEC. 4.Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1937.SEC. 4. Section 10144.521 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.SEC. 5.Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:SEC. 5. Section 10144.522 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 6.Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1939.SEC. 6. Section 10144.523 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
42+The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 4. Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.SEC. 5. Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 6. Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
4343
4444 The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4545
4646 ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
4747
48-SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
48+SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
4949
5050 SECTION 1. Section 1367.047 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
5151
5252 ### SECTION 1.
5353
54-1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
54+1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
5555
56-1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
56+1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
5757
58-1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
58+1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
5959
6060
6161
6262 1367.047. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:
6363
64-(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in subdivision (b) of Section 1374.33 and Section 1374.72.
64+(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each plan year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.
6565
66-(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.
66+(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.
6767
6868 (3) After 28 days, a health care service plan shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health care service plan determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health care service plan shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the enrollee and the enrollees physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.
6969
7070 (4) A health care service plan shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the enrollee and the enrollees physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the enrollee and the enrollees physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30) of the Health and Safety Code. Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health care service plans determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health care service plan shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the contract. The enrollee shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the enrollee shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.
7171
72-(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:
72+(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
7373
74-(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to enrollees.
75-
76-(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 1374.72.
77-
78-(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place before the provision of health care services to enrollees.
79-
80-(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 1374.721, that takes place after the completion of health care services to enrollees.
81-
82-(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.72.
83-
84-(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 1374.721.
85-
86-(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
87-
88-SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
74+SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
8975
9076 SEC. 2. Section 1367.048 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
9177
9278 ### SEC. 2.
9379
94-1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
80+1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
9581
96-1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
82+1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
9783
98-1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
84+1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
9985
10086
10187
10288 1367.048. On and after January 1, 2027:
10389
104-(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.
90+(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.
10591
106-(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.
92+(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the enrollees physician.
10793
108-(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
94+(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
10995
110-(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
96+(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
11197
112-(e) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
113-
114-SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
98+SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
11599
116100 SEC. 3. Section 1367.049 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
117101
118102 ### SEC. 3.
119103
120-1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
104+1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
121105
122-1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
106+1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
123107
124-1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
108+1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
125109
126110
127111
128112 1367.049. On and after January 1, 2027:
129113
130-(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
114+(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the enrollees physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
131115
132116 (b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all enrollees with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
133117
134-(c) This section does not apply to a county Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery system, as authorized under the Medi-Cal 2020 Demonstration Project Act pursuant to Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 14184) of Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, under the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Terms and Conditions as described in Section 14184.401 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or under any successors.
118+SEC. 4. Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
119+
120+SEC. 4. Section 10123.1937 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
121+
122+### SEC. 4.
123+
124+10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
125+
126+10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
127+
128+10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
135129
136130
137131
132+10123.1937. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:
138133
134+(1) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.
139135
140-SEC. 4. Section 10144.521 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.
136+(2) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.
141137
142-SEC. 4. Section 10144.521 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
138+(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.
143139
144-### SEC. 4.
140+(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.
145141
146-10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.
142+(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans.
147143
148-10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.
144+SEC. 5. Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
149145
150-10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.
146+SEC. 5. Section 10123.1938 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
147+
148+### SEC. 5.
149+
150+10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
151+
152+10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
153+
154+10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
151155
152156
153157
154-10144.521. (a) On and after January 1, 2027:
158+10123.1938. On and after January 1, 2027:
155159
156-(1) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of an inpatient substance use disorder stay during each policy year shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician. physician, and shall be consistent with the standards in Section 10144.5 and subdivision (b) of Section 10169.3.
160+(a) The covered benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.
157161
158-(2) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of inpatient substance use disorder care shall may be subject to concurrent review. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond the first 28 days shall be submitted for concurrent review before the expiration of the initial 28-day period. A request for approval of inpatient care beyond a period that is approved under concurrent review shall be submitted within the period that was previously approved.
162+(b) The covered benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.
159163
160-(3) After 28 days, a health insurer shall not initiate concurrent review more frequently than at two-week intervals. If a health insurer determines that continued inpatient substance use disorder care in a facility is no longer medically necessary, the health insurer shall, within 24 hours, provide written notice to the insured and the insureds physician of its decision and the right to file an expedited internal appeal of the determination.
164+(c) The covered benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
161165
162-(4) A health insurer shall review and make a determination with respect to the internal appeal within 24 hours and communicate the determination to the insured and the insureds physician. If the determination is to uphold the denial, the insured and the insureds physician have the right to file an expedited external appeal with the department pursuant to Article 5.55 3.5 (commencing with Section 1374.30). Notwithstanding any other law, the department shall make a determination within 24 hours. 10169). If the health insurers determination is upheld and it is determined continued inpatient substance use disorder care is not medically necessary, the health insurer shall remain responsible to provide benefits for the inpatient care through the day following the date the determination is made and the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable copayment, deductible, and coinsurance for the stay through that date, as applicable under the policy. The insured shall not be discharged or released from the inpatient facility until all internal and department appeals are exhausted. For any costs incurred after the day following the date of determination until the day of discharge, the insured shall only be responsible for any applicable cost sharing, and any additional charges shall be paid by the facility or provider.
166+(d) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
163167
164-(b) For purposes of this section, concurrent review means inpatient care is reviewed as it is provided by medically qualified reviewers monitoring appropriateness of the care, the setting, and patient progress, and, as appropriate, the discharge plans. section:
168+SEC. 6. Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
165169
166-(1) Concurrent review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place concurrent with the provision of health care services to insureds.
170+SEC. 6. Section 10123.1939 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
167171
168-(2) Medically necessary has the same meaning as medically necessary treatment of a mental health or substance use disorder as defined in Section 10144.5.
172+### SEC. 6.
169173
170-(3) Prior authorization includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place before the provision of health care services to insureds.
174+10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
171175
172-(4) Retrospective review includes any utilization review, as defined in Section 10144.52, that takes place after the completion of health care services to insureds.
176+10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
173177
174-(5) Substance use disorders has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.5.
175-
176-(6) Utilization review has the same meaning as defined in Section 10144.52.
178+10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
177179
178180
179181
180-SEC. 5. Section 10144.522 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
182+10123.1939. On and after January 1, 2027:
181183
182-SEC. 5. Section 10144.522 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
183-
184-### SEC. 5.
185-
186-10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
187-
188-10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
189-
190-10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
191-
192-
193-
194-10123.1938.10144.522. On and after January 1, 2027:
195-
196-(a) The covered Except as provided in subdivision (b), in-network health care services and benefits for outpatient substance use disorder visits shall not be subject to concurrent or retrospective review of medical necessity or any other utilization management review.
197-
198-(b) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for the first 28 days of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall not be subject to retrospective review of medical necessity. Medical necessity shall be as determined by the insureds physician.
199-
200-(c) The covered in-network health care services and benefits for day 29 and days thereafter of intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services for substance use disorder shall be subject to a retrospective review of the medical necessity of the services. Medical necessity review shall utilize the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and guidelines. The benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
201-
202-(d) The covered in-network health care services and benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
203-
204-
205-
206-
207-
208-SEC. 6. Section 10144.523 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
209-
210-SEC. 6. Section 10144.523 is added to the Insurance Code, to read:
211-
212-### SEC. 6.
213-
214-10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
215-
216-10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
217-
218-10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.(b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
219-
220-
221-
222-10144.523. On and after January 1, 2027:
223-
224-(a) The covered benefits In-network coverage for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, physician or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
184+(a) The covered benefits for outpatient prescription drugs to treat substance use disorder shall be provided when determined medically necessary by the insureds physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, without the imposition of prior authorization or other prospective utilization management requirements.
225185
226186 (b) The covered benefits required by this section shall be provided to all insureds with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The presence of additional related or unrelated diagnoses shall not be a basis to reduce or deny the benefits required by this section.
227187
228188 SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
229189
230190 SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
231191
232192 SEC. 7. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
233193
234194 ### SEC. 7.