CA SB718

Authorizes associations of employers to offer large group health insurance plans to small employer members through fully insured multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) consistent with federal ERISA law, effective until January 1, 2026.

Requires associations and MEWAs to meet specific conditions including being headquartered in California, offering platinum-level coverage since January 1, 2012, maintaining at least 101 employees, and filing registration applications with the Department of Managed Health Care or Department of Insurance by June 1, 2022.

Prohibits health care service plans and insurers from marketing or issuing large employer coverage to any association or MEWA that fails to register or comply with annual filing requirements after June 1, 2022.

Establishes that large group health plans offered through compliant associations must be single-risk-rated, guaranteed issue and renewable, and cannot condition eligibility or premiums on health status.

Creates a state-mandated local program by making violations a crime; all provisions sunset on January 1, 2026.