Health care coverage: timely access to care.

Senator Weber Pierson's proposal directs California health agencies to establish geographic accessibility standards for perinatal units by July 2027, aiming to ensure timely access to care for patients across health insurance types. The standards would apply to health care service plans, insurers, and Medi-Cal managed care plans, with requirements tailored to each plan's service areas.

The bill requires the Department of Managed Health Care, Department of Insurance, and Department of Health Care Services to develop these standards through consultation with medical organizations, hospitals, consumer groups, and healthcare professionals. The departments must incorporate input from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, California Hospital Association, labor representatives, and practitioners including registered nurses and midwives. The standards cannot exceed existing time and distance requirements for Medi-Cal managed care plans by county type.

Each department retains authority to grant exceptions or alternative access standards when warranted. The provisions include a sunset clause, becoming inoperative on July 1, 2033, and repealing on January 1, 2034. Under the Knox-Keene Act, health plans face potential criminal penalties for violating the standards once established.