Health Care Coverage Law 2014

The California Health Care Coverage Law goes into effect on January 1, 2014.

The new California law was signed by Governor Jerry Brown to define and establish essential health insurance benefits for California citizens beginning in 2014.

Assembly Bill 1453 was authored by Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Carmel) complements Obamacare by determining at the state level the exact details of health benefits broadly outlined in the federal health insurance law.

The new California law includes acupuncture for the treatment of pain and nausea. Other essential health benefits provided under AB 1453 include tobacco cessation, vision screening, newborn care, maternity care, hospitalization and ambulatory patient services.

This new law applies to all individual health insurance policies and small group policies including all HMOs and PPOs.

AB 1453 does not apply to self-insured plans, "grandfathered" plans and large employers.

"With the passage of AB 1453, California is one step closer to the full implementation of federal health care reform," stated Assemblyman Monning.

"This law will prioritize prevention, health and wellness while offering individuals and small businesses comprehensive and affordable healthcare coverage," Monning added.

The new California law does not cover payment issues such as co-pays, deductibles and payments to providers, nor does it contain language regarding network limitations such as participation in provider networks.

The California Health Care Coverage Law is effective in 2014.