Health care coverage: prescription hormone therapy and nondiscrimination.

California Senate Bill 418, introduced by Senator Menjivar, aims to enhance healthcare coverage related to prescription hormone therapy and ensure non-discrimination protections in health insurance. The bill was passed by the Senate and Assembly and was enrolled on September 16, 2025.

This legislation requires health plans to cover up to a 12-month supply of FDA-approved hormone therapy when prescribed by a network provider. It also includes provisions for Medi-Cal, ensuring that eligible individuals can access this necessary treatment without being limited by utilization controls that would restrict their supply to less than a year.

Additionally, SB 418 prohibits discrimination by health insurance providers based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including gender identity and intersex traits. It strengthens protections against exclusion from coverage and ensures that no individual is denied benefits or subjected to unfair treatment based on these characteristics.

Despite its passage through the legislature, the bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor on October 13, 2025, and is pending further consideration.

Requires certain health insurance policies include coverage for services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives.

New York Senate Bill S06441 mandates that specific health insurance policies in the state must cover services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives. This includes all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and over-the-counter products, with coverage for emergency contraception also specified.

The bill requires that insurance plans cover these contraceptives without imposing cost-sharing. If a healthcare provider determines that a non-covered option is appropriate, the provider's decision will be final, and a process will be established for requesting coverage of such alternatives.

Additionally, the legislation stipulates that pharmacists must be reimbursed in the same manner as other healthcare providers when dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives. The bill has received bipartisan support and is currently awaiting the governor's approval, reflecting a commitment to expanded access to reproductive healthcare in New York.

To provide reproductive health care to incarcerated individuals

House Bill 2658, known as "To Provide Reproductive Health Care to Incarcerated Individuals," was introduced in the Massachusetts State Legislature. The bill is currently sponsored by two Democratic lawmakers and has been reported favorably by a committee.

The purpose of the bill is to ensure that individuals who are incarcerated have access to reproductive health care services. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for medical care that addresses the specific health concerns of incarcerated populations.

As of October 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for further consideration. This step indicates progress in the legislative process toward potentially enacting these important health care reforms.

Amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), entitled "An act relating to the right to practice medicine and surgery and the right to practice medically related acts; reestablishing the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the Sta

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 507 aims to update and amend existing laws regarding the practice of medicine and nurse-midwifery. Specifically, it modifies the act from December 20, 1985, which addresses medical practices, the State Board of Medicine's responsibilities, and licensing procedures.

The bill includes new definitions and regulations related to midwifery, introducing a license for certified midwives. This amendment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare practices in the state by reevaluating and expanding the roles of different medical professionals.

Currently, SB507 has been introduced and re-reported as committed as of October 6, 2025. The bill has some partisan support, with a breakdown showing 9 Democratic sponsors and 5 from other parties. Further steps will follow in the legislative process to determine its final approval.

In miscellaneous provisions, providing for drug screening and awareness education and for fatherhood engagement in maternal health; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.

House Bill 1212 is a proposed legislation in Pennsylvania focused on drug screening, awareness education, and fatherhood engagement in maternal health. The bill aims to address these issues through various provisions and assigns responsibilities to the Joint State Government Commission.

The bill has gained support, being classified as a partisan effort with all Democratic sponsors backing it (28-0). It is currently in the stage of being referred to the Health & Human Services committee as of October 3, 2025.

This legislation reflects a broader effort to improve public health and promote responsible fatherhood, particularly in the context of maternal and child health services.

Expressing support for the recognition of September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global and domestic access to contraception.

Summary of House Concurrent Resolution 53

House Concurrent Resolution 53 (HCR53) has been introduced in the 119th Congress for the 2025-2026 session. This resolution aims to proclaim September 26, 2025, as "World Contraception Day." It expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the importance of access to contraception both internationally and domestically.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with sponsorship from four Democrat representatives. Currently, it has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Foreign Affairs for further consideration.

The resolution underscores the significance of contraception access as a critical part of public health and reproductive rights, promoting awareness and support for initiatives related to family planning.

Access to Safe Abortion Care Act.

California Assembly Bill 54, known as the Access to Safe Abortion Care Act, aims to reinforce the state’s commitment to maintaining access to safe abortion care. This bill amends existing laws to protect individuals' rights to choose or obtain an abortion, particularly focusing on medication abortions using drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol.

The legislation confirms that it is lawful to deliver or transport any drugs or instruments designed for abortion that comply with California law. It also ensures that individuals accessing or administering these medications will not face civil, criminal, or professional penalties for actions taken on or after January 1, 2020, with these protections applied retroactively.

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which removed the federal constitutional right to an abortion, California has enacted measures to safeguard access to abortion services. This includes recognizing the historical safety and efficacy of medication abortions, which account for a significant portion of abortion procedures in the state.

Birth defects monitoring.

California Assembly Bill 1129 aims to enhance the state's monitoring program for birth defects and related conditions by making several amendments to existing public health laws. The bill outlines the importance of gathering more information on birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages, recognizing their significant impact on public health and the emotional toll on families.

The legislation expands the responsibilities of local health officers, allowing them to collect information about birth defects and other conditions occurring up to 12 months after birth. It permits these local authorities to require healthcare providers to share relevant data and enter into contracts for implementing monitoring programs specific to their jurisdictions.

Additionally, AB 1129 broadens confidentiality provisions, protecting information related to birth defects from being used in legal proceedings. This change requires a two-thirds legislative vote due to its implications on evidence admissibility in criminal cases. The bill also exempts certain biological samples gathered by local health officers for monitoring purposes from general data storage laws.

Perinatal health screenings and treatment.

California Senate Bill 626 aims to enhance perinatal health screening and treatment by expanding the definition of mental health conditions related to pregnancy and maternity. It changes the term "maternal mental health condition" to "perinatal mental health condition" to include mental health issues arising during the entire perinatal period, which encompasses pregnancy, postpartum, and interpregnancy phases.

The bill mandates that licensed healthcare practitioners offer perinatal mental health screenings and treatment according to established clinical guidelines. If a practitioner is unable to provide the necessary screening or treatment, they can refer the patient to another qualified professional. Moreover, it requires health care service plans and insurers to develop programs for perinatal mental health, ensuring screening occurs throughout the perinatal period.

Additionally, SB 626 mandates that health plans provide case management and care coordination for patients during the perinatal phase. Plans and insurers must also report annually on the usage and outcomes of these services. The bill sets a framework for health service providers in California to improve maternal mental health support while clarifying that no reimbursement is required for implementing these mandates.

California law protects access to abortion pills—shipping, providers shielded from prosecution

California Assembly Bill 54, also known as the Access to Safe Abortion Care Act, aims to enhance access to abortion care in the state. The bill was introduced on December 2, 2024, and has since been amended to reaffirm California's commitment to maintaining legal access to abortion, particularly focusing on medication abortion methods using mifepristone and misoprostol.

The legislation emphasizes that it is lawful to transport, deliver, or use any approved drugs for abortion in California. It also provides protection against civil or criminal liability for individuals involved in accessing or administering these medications, retroactively applying from January 1, 2020.

The bill highlights the historical context of abortion rights in the U.S., noting the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022. Despite this change at the federal level, California has actively worked to secure abortion rights through state legislation and constitutional provisions. With medication abortions becoming a significant method for terminating pregnancies, the bill seeks to ensure continued access amid potential legal threats.