Preventive Care Coverage Updates Under AB 144
| Date: | October 10, 2025 |
| From: | Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (“Health Plan”) |
| To: | Health Plan Primary Care Providers |
| Type: | Informational |
| Subject: | Preventive Care Coverage Updates Under AB 144 |
| Business: | Medi-Cal Managed Care |
On September 17, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 144, which mandates that all full-service health plans in California continue to cover preventive care services and immunizations without cost-sharing or utilization management, even if federal recommendations change. The law codifies all U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) “A” and “B” rated services, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended immunizations, and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-supported guidelines as of January 1, 2025, and grants the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) authority to supplement these recommendations. Health plans must implement CDPH updates within 15 business days. These requirements apply to commercial and Medi-Cal managed care plans.
Key Requirements for Health Plans
- No Cost-Sharing or Prior Authorization: Health plans must cover the following without copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or prior authorization:
- USPSTF “A” or “B” rated services (as of Jan 1, 2025)
- ACIP-recommended immunizations (as of Jan 1, 2025)
- HRSA-supported preventive services for women, infants, children, and adolescents
- CDPH Authority to Supplement Recommendations
- CDPH may modify or add to federal recommendations.
- Plans must implement CDPH updates within 15 business days of publication.
- Immunization Coverage Requirements
- COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV vaccines must be covered per CDPH guidance—even if not FDA-approved for all age groups.
- Applies to children, adults, and pregnant individuals.
Please visit the Preventive Health Guidelines link below for more information:
If you have any further questions, please contact your Provider Services Representative, or call our Customer Service Department at 1-888-936-PLAN (7526). You may also visit https://www.hpsj.com/alerts/ for online access to the documents shared. The most recent information about Health Plan and our services is always available on our website www.hpsj-mvhp.org
