CA AB2551

Expresses legislative intent to require health care service plans and health insurers to survey and publicly report the percentage of enrollees using in-network versus out-of-network behavioral health care, including reasons such as lack of culturally and linguistically responsive care

Would require health plans and insurers to conduct cultural competency and health equity assessments identifying disparities by age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, and geographic location

Proposes adding a question to healing arts licensing renewal forms asking whether providers contract with health plans or insurers to help regulators monitor provider contracting trends by region, language, and provider type

Cites that individuals seeking mental health services are six times more likely to go out of network compared to other services, with an estimated 42% of California therapists not accepting health coverage

Currently an intent bill with no operative provisions; requires majority vote, no appropriation, and no fiscal committee review