Amid continued attacks on reproductive freedom across the country, Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted legislation Tuesday to eliminate deductibles, coinsurance and other payments for covered abortion services so that such expenses are no longer a barrier to accessing care.
Thus, Newsom signed SB 245, the Abortion Accessibility Act, sponsored by Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez of the Long Beach district, in a virtual ceremony joined by members of the Legislative Women's Caucus and representatives of reproductive rights and justice organizations.
"As states across the country attempt to take us backwards by restricting fundamental reproductive rights, California continues to protect and promote reproductive freedom for all," Governor Newsom said.
"With this legislation, we will help ensure equitable and affordable access to abortion services so that this expense does not stand in the way of receiving care," she added.
For her part, the governor's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, emphasized that California has taken steps to improve access to reproductive care by removing financial barriers.
"In the Golden State, we value women and recognize all of their dual roles as caregivers and breadwinners. California will continue to lead by example and ensure that all pregnant women have autonomy over their bodies and the ability to control their own destinies."
SB 245 prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing a co-payment, deductible or other cost-sharing requirement for abortion and related services.
The legislation also prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing utilization management practices on these services.
California is one of six states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion services, but the extra costs for patients can exceed $1,000.
In October, Governor Newsom announced the Administration's participation in the California Abortion Future Council to collaborate with advocates, legislators, providers, patients and others on ways to promote leadership on reproductive freedom in the state.
The Council's recommendations included making abortion care more affordable and accessible by eliminating cost-sharing through the passage and enactment of current legislation.
The Governor's budget initiative, the California Plan, includes measures to protect the right to safe and accessible reproductive health care.
California Blueprint supports California's clinical infrastructure for reproductive health services by offering grants and loan repayments to health care providers who commit to providing reproductive health care services and support for facility infrastructure, including upgrades to their security and IT systems.
In turn, it would increase flexibility for Medi-Cal providers to provide clinically appropriate medication abortion services by eliminating requirements for in-person follow-up visits and ultrasounds if they are not medically necessary.
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