Health plans must drop prior authorization for services they approve 90% of the time
Health plans and insurers must report how often they approve each service that needs prior authorization. Regulators then list services approved at least 90% of the time, and plans must stop requiring approval for those. Medi-Cal managed care plans are excluded.
Who it affects
Health plans, health insurers, patients and their doctors
When
December 31, 2026 is a deadline set in the law.
- : Signed into law
- : Law took effect
- : Deadline: health plans and insurers must report their prior authorization approval rates
- : Regulators publish the list of services exempt from prior authorization
- : Latest date plans must stop prior authorization for listed services
Official text
California SB 306: Health care coverage: prior authorizations.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.