Latest news with #SenateBill729
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Health care Coverage Expanding in California: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California is set to expand access to infertility care and in vitro fertilization (IVF) through a new health coverage law that will be implemented on July 1. The law, Senate Bill 729, requires employers with 100 or more employees and state insurance plans to cover infertility and IVF treatment for all Californians—regardless of their gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or marriage status. Newsweek has contacted Senator Caroline Menjivar, the author of the bill, outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters As the bill explicitly includes coverage for all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, it takes a clear stand on inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in fertility care, meaning that for the first time in the state, these groups are given equal access to the services. According to Senator Menjivar, the bill will "ensure that queer couples no longer have to pay more out of pocket to start families than non-queer families." In the bills comments section, she also wrote the bill is "critical to achieving full-lived equality for LGBTQ+ people, as well as advancing well-rounded and comprehensive health care for all Californians." Other states have also brought similar fertility legislation into effect, but fewer have explicitly sought to include LGBTQ+ groups in the legislation. File photo: gynecologist showing a UV image of baby on a computer screen to a pregnant woman. File photo: gynecologist showing a UV image of baby on a computer screen to a pregnant woman. DragonImages/Getty Images What To Know Previous law had offered some coverage for infertility treatment but had excluded IVF treatment. The new bill will require large and small group health care service plan contracts and disability insurance policies to provide cover for diagnosis and treatment of infertility and fertility services. This includes a maximum of 3 oocyte retrievals—the process where eggs are removed from the ovaries as part of IVF treatment. It also mandates coverage for unlimited embryo transfers in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). SB 729 is also changing the definition of infertility, so testing and diagnosis of infertility can still be covered for those who have not met the criteria of: not conceiving a child after 12 months for those under 35 and not conceiving a child after six months for those over 35—where miscarriage does not restart the time period to qualify as having infertility. This would mean that earlier intervention can take place for treating and diagnosing infertility. While the law does not however explicitly mention coverage for egg freezing as part of fertility preservation, it is not clear whether some parts of egg freezing may be covered given that oocyte retrievals are covered. Violation of any these provisions by a health care service plan would also be determined a crime in the law, something which the previous law had also stated. What People Are Saying Michele Goodwin, a professor of constitutional law and global health policy at Georgetown Law, Washington D.C, told Newsweek: "SB 729 is important for reproductive health care and family planning for all Californians. Many families experience some form of infertility or other reproductive health challenges." She added: "Assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF have become an important part of family building for gay couples. This law would cushion the economic burden felt by LGBT Californians as they seek health services to grow their families." California Senator Caroline Menjivar, said when Governor Gavin Newsom approved the bill: "Today is a personal and emotional victory. And, it is a triumph for the many Californians who have been denied a path toward family-building because of the financial barriers that come with fertility treatment, their relationship status, or are blatantly discriminated against as a member of the LGBTQ+ community." She added: "When attacks on reproductive rights are occurring across the nation, Governor Newsom stood on the right side of history by expanding coverage for approximately 9 million Californians, including LGBTQ+ folks who were previously withheld equal opportunity to become parents under an archaic law that erased their rights." What Happens Next While fertility coverage will start on July 1 for state-run health insurance plans and large employers, many other plans will adopt the new ruling upon renewal, meaning for some employees, coverage may not be available until later this year and into 2026.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
California Laws Changing July 1: From Pet Insurance to Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Starting July 1, Californians will see sweeping changes in consumer protections, health coverage, rental disclosures, and public service access, as a slate of new state laws go into effect. The new legislation addresses a wide range of everyday concerns—from hidden cleaning fees in rental agreements and the fine print of pet insurance policies to improved access to mental health crisis support for students. Why It Matters These measures are part of an ambitious legislative agenda championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and approved by the state legislature in Sacramento, aiming to boost transparency and health protections while modernizing court systems and educational support services. What To Know One of the most noticeable changes affects short-term rental customers. Under Assembly Bill 2202, platforms like Airbnb must now show all cleaning fees and penalties before a booking is completed. If they don't, they could be fined up to $10,000. The law also targets surprise fees and requires renters to be told about any cleaning tasks expected during their stay. Pet insurance companies must now also clearly explain why premiums go up. Senate Bill 1217 says insurers have to say if rate hikes are due to a pet's age, location, or other reasons. Policies must also spell out waiting periods, medical exam rules and what conditions aren't covered. Another major change affects subscription services. Businesses offering streaming, food delivery, or other subscriptions must now let people cancel just as easily as they signed up. Assembly Bill 2863 enforces a "click-to-cancel" rule and requires annual reminders with pricing and cancellation info. Health insurance in the state is also expanding. Senate Bill 729 requires most plans to cover infertility diagnoses and treatments, including IVF. There are exceptions for religious employers, and public systems like CalPERS won't have to offer the coverage until July 2027. The bill's author, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, has framed it as a win for reproductive rights. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on February 01, 2023 in Sacramento, California. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on February 01, 2023 in Sacramento, California. Getty Images The state's 5.8 million schoolchildren will see changes come the start of the new school year. Senate Bill 1063 says middle and high school ID cards must show the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Schools can also add QR codes that link to local mental health support. Mental health advocates say this gives students easier access to help. There are new rules for students with special needs. Assembly Bill 438 stipulates that schools must start planning for these students' futures when they start high school, not wait until age 16. The goal is to help them better prepare for college or work. Remote court access, which started during the pandemic, is also being extended. Assembly Bill 170 allows juvenile and civil courts to keep holding virtual hearings through 2027. Courtrooms must meet new tech standards, and judges must report any technical issues during criminal cases. The CARE Act, which lets people request court-ordered mental health treatment, is also changing. Senate Bill 42 now says courts must inform family members and first responders when cases are delayed, dismissed, or updated. The goal is to keep people better informed. Finally, minimum wage will go up in several counties and cities across the state. What Happens Next Starting July 1, businesses and service providers affected by the changes—including Airbnb, insurance companies, subscription platforms, and school districts—must comply immediately or face fines and legal challenges.
