CA AB787

Requires health care service plans and health insurers (including specialized mental health and dental plans) to include a prominent statement in provider directories advising enrollees to contact the plan for help finding in-network providers and for explanation of out-of-network coverage rights

Mandates that plans acknowledge assistance requests within 1 business day and provide a confirmed list of in-network providers accepting new patients within 2 business days for urgent requests or 5 business days for non-urgent requests

Specifies directory statement formatting requirements: printed directories must display the notice at the top of each page or front cover in 16-point type; PDF directories at the top of each page; and online directories in a fixed banner visible at the top of each page

Requires search results to include only providers who have responded to verification requests and must include the date providers were confirmed as accepting new patients, along with a disclaimer that availability may change

Applies to both the Department of Managed Health Care (regulating health care service plans) and Department of Insurance (regulating health insurers), with willful violations by health care service plans constituting a crime