CA SB951

Requires individual and small group health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2014, to cover essential health benefits as defined by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Defines essential health benefits by reference to the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Small Group HMO 30 plan as offered in the first quarter of 2012, plus specific mandated benefits under California law enacted before December 31, 2011, and includes pediatric vision and dental care benefits.

Prohibits health insurers from imposing treatment limitations on essential health benefits that exceed those of the benchmark plans, and generally prohibits substitutions of required benefits except for prescription drug formularies.

Applies to policies offered both inside and outside the California Health Benefit Exchange, but excludes grandfathered plans and plans covering excepted benefits as defined under federal law.

Authorizes the Department of Insurance to adopt emergency regulations implementing these provisions until March 1, 2016, and becomes operative only if Assembly Bill 1453 is also enacted.