Menopause.

Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan's menopause healthcare legislation establishes new requirements for physician education and insurance coverage of menopause-related care in California. The bill mandates continuing medical education in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopausal care for physicians whose patient population includes 25% or more women.

Starting January 1, 2026, health plans and insurers must provide coverage for menopause evaluation and treatment options without utilization management requirements. This coverage includes FDA-regulated systemic hormone therapy, nonhormonal medications for menopause symptoms, treatments for genitourinary syndrome, and osteoporosis medications across multiple formulations and administration methods. The legislation defines covered formulations to include tablets, patches, topical applications, and vaginal treatments.

The measure requires health plans and insurers to distribute clinical care recommendations for hormone therapy annually to contracted primary care providers treating patients with perimenopause and menopause. Coverage must be provided without discrimination based on gender expression or identity. The Medical Board of California maintains oversight of the continuing education requirements, while the Departments of Managed Health Care and Insurance oversee the implementation of coverage mandates.