CA AB1842

Requires group and individual health care service plans to cover at least one FDA-approved medication in each of 4 categories without prior authorization, step therapy, or utilization review: opioid overdose reversal medication (including naloxone), substance use disorder treatment medication (including daily oral buprenorphine), long-acting buprenorphine products, and long-acting injectable naltrexone products.

Imposes the same coverage requirements on group and individual health insurers offering outpatient prescription drug benefits.

Permits health care service plans and insurers to select AB-rated generic equivalents, biosimilars, or interchangeable biological products to satisfy the coverage requirements.

Approved by the Governor on September 27, 2024.