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<\/a><\/p>\nGovernor Newsom signs SB 245 alongside First Partner Siebel Newsom.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs states across the country attempt to move us backwards by restricting fundamental reproductive rights, California continues to protect and advance reproductive freedom for all,\u201d said Governor Newsom. \u201cWith this legislation, we\u2019ll help ensure equitable, affordable access to abortion services so that out-of-pocket costs don\u2019t stand in the way of receiving care.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the face of nationwide attacks on reproductive rights, California has taken action to improve access to reproductive care by removing financial barriers to this essential health care,\u201d said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. \u201cIn the Golden State, we value women and recognize all they shoulder in their dual roles as caregivers and breadwinners. California will continue to lead by example and ensure all women and pregnant people have autonomy over their bodies and the ability to control their own destinies.\u201d<\/p>\n
SB 245 prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing a co-pay, deductible, or other cost-sharing requirement for abortion and abortion-related services. The legislation also prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing utilization management practices on covered abortion and abortion-related services. California is one of six states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion services, but out-of-pocket costs for patients can exceed a thousand dollars.<\/p>\n
In October, Governor Newsom announced the Administration\u2019s participation in the\u00a0California Future of Abortion Council<\/a>, to collaborate with advocates, policymakers, providers, patients and others on ways to advance the state\u2019s reproductive freedom leadership. The Council\u2019s recommendations included making abortion care more affordable and accessible by eliminating cost-sharing through the passage and enactment of today\u2019s legislation.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s budget proposal, the\u00a0California Blueprint<\/a>, includes measures to protect the right to safe and accessible reproductive health care services. The California Blueprint supports California\u2019s clinical infrastructure for reproductive health services by offering scholarships and loan repayments to health care providers that commit to providing reproductive health care services, and support for reproductive health care facility infrastructure, including enhancements to their IT and security systems. It would also increase flexibility for Medi-Cal providers to provide clinically appropriate medication abortion services by removing requirements for in-person follow-up visits and ultrasounds if they are not medically necessary. The Blueprint also includes funds to support Covered California\u2019s One-Dollar Premium Subsidy program, which subsidizes the cost of Covered California health plans due to federal policy concerning abortion coverage.<\/p>\n In his first year in office, Governor Newsom signed a\u00a0Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom<\/a>\u00a0reaffirming California\u2019s commitment to protecting reproductive choices. The Governor has advanced investments to expand access to reproductive and sexual health care and signed multiple bills protecting reproductive freedom, including\u00a0AB 1356, AB 1184<\/a>,SB 374<\/a>,\u00a0SB 24, and AB 1264<\/a>.<\/p>\n