On July 30, 2025, Gov. Newsom signed AB 951 into law. The new law prohibits health insurers from requiring an enrollee previously diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder or autism to receive a rediagnosis to maintain coverage for behavioral health treatment. Further, insurers cannot discontinue or delay existing treatment while waiting for a rediagnosis. The treating providers should provide the treatment plan to insurers upon request. The law is effective for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.
Existing law requires fully insured group health policies issued in California to provide coverage for behavioral health treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism. Insurers are responsible for bringing applicable fully insured plans into compliance. Employer plan sponsors should be aware of the changes.
Read the full legislation: AB 951.