CA SB1473

Eliminates the December 16 to January 31 special enrollment period for individual health benefit plans offered through Covered California and replaces it with an annual enrollment period from November 1 to January 31 for policy years beginning January 1, 2023 or later.

Sets coverage effective dates of no later than January 1 of the benefit year for plans selected November 1 to December 31, and no later than February 1 for plans selected January 1 to January 31.

Extends COVID-19 testing, immunization, and therapeutic coverage requirements to apply to any disease declared a public health emergency by the Governor, with coverage required within 15 business days of federal recommendations.

Prohibits providers from reporting adverse information to credit agencies or commencing civil action against patients for COVID-19 testing, immunizations, and therapeutics; this protection extends for 6 months after the federal public health emergency expires.

Applies COVID-19 coverage requirements to Medi-Cal managed care plans subject to obtaining necessary federal approvals and maintaining federal financial participation.