Transcript Highlights:

• Health insurance is crazy expensive.
• So we made that decision, went ahead, she resigned, we went on COBRA insurance.
• And then I started trying to investigate getting an insurance plan.
• jobs now to help me stay afloat. ...purely to provide our insurance.
• It is insurance companies, right, wrong or indifferent.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance Division, State of Hawaiʻi, DCCA.
• Jerry Bump, Acting Insurance Commissioner.
• </c> study as proposed by the dcca insurance study as proposed by the dcca insurance commissioner<01:
• </c><02:16:43.679><c> companies</c> cgm's every time the insurance companies cgm's every time the insurance
• </c> transparency in the health insurance transparency in the health insurance system<02:55:53.880><c

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• but are not able to self-insure.
• So what we know now is that insurers and...
• One of the biggest cost drivers for school districts is health insurance.
• Everybody was happy: the administration, the hospitals, the insurers, patients, legislators.
• Yes. ...the highest cost hospitals and the highest cost insurance in the country? Yes.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Health Idaho is Idaho's health insurance marketplace.
• and five dental insurance companies.
• Creating the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange, known as Your Health Idaho.
• 1332 reinsurance waiver that has helped further reduce the cost of health insurance premiums for all
• We know that health and dental insurance needs are as unique as Idahoans, and meeting them where they

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It exempts any school district that has a self-insurance program provided by a nonprofit health care
• supporting a self-insurance program to provide specified information to the school district at least
• , outlines requirements for predictive modeling organizations and their insurance models.
• But it's the insurance company that can have a say on what dog you have.
• because forget those insurance agencies.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate and House bills, many of them on consent or with strike-everything amendments. Topics included advanced air mobility for border security (SB 1457), raising the off-highway vehicle weight limit to 3,500 pounds while striking a proposed law enforcement fund (SB 1519), school property leases and a trampoline court safety citation change (HB 2383), electronic monitoring in health care facilities (SB 1041), dental school complaint handling and board jurisdiction limits (SB 1168), pharmacist-authorized testing and HIV prevention guidance (SB 1713), school district insurance/self-insurance requirements (SB 1497), reporting-requirement cleanup for education statutes (HB 2203), historic neighborhood housing zoning (SB 1118), construction contract payment protections in revitalization districts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), workers’ compensation notice and recordkeeping (SB 1428), property tax disability exemption clarifications (HB 2120), insurance modeling/data organization requirements (HB 2174), HOA rules on chickens and pet breed restrictions (SB 1582), first responder death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), and changes to virtual veterinary prescribing periods (SB 1286). Members generally asked clarifying questions, and several sponsors were said to intend to concur or refuse amendments, with HB 2010 headed to conference because the sponsor would not accept the Senate’s five-year refund window. On the second calendar, the committee heard HB 2176 on health facility complaint investigations, allowing DHS to investigate older complaints involving alleged abuse; HB 2050 on radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants, restoring direct supervision requirements with limited general-supervision exceptions; HB 2010 on digital goods, where the Senate reduced a refund window from 10 years to five and the sponsor planned to refuse; HB 2875 on unmanned aircraft, expanding airport drone-delivery buffer rules from one mile to two and a half miles and requiring airport consultation; HB 2428 on county certification of emission reduction credits, clarifying participation is voluntary and limiting new credits if fleet participation becomes mandatory; and HB 2877, which was struck and replaced with a veterinary technician certification pathway requiring 4,000 supervised work hours and allowing nonprofit curriculum evidence. Several members noted support or opposition based on prior votes or policy concerns, but no roll-call votes were taken in the caucus itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some are self-insured, others have different... Every city across the state of Idaho.
• Some are self-insured, others have different splits in premium costs between city and employee, their
• 27,875 employees insured in the state pool and a total of 65,618 people covered.
• I don't live in city limits, but I did hear one city gave their mayor insurance for life.
• I don't live in city limits, but I did hear one city gave their mayor insurance for life.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings and agreed to reorder the agenda. It then heard House Bill 673, which would require legislative candidates to have lived in their district for at least 120 days before filing, clarifying residency intent for House and Senate races. The sponsor said the bill is narrowly aimed at legislative offices and could be revisited later if redistricting creates timing issues. The committee moved HB 673 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Members also introduced several RS measures. RS 33171 would let Idaho cities apply to join the state insurance pool, with the sponsor saying cities would pay all costs and could decide whether the arrangement saves money. RS 33289 was described as an election cleanup bill to fix missed references for soil and water conservation districts, mail-in-ballot-only precincts, and canvassing timelines; members asked questions about district elections and ballot logistics. RS 33343 would strengthen criminal penalties for sextortion, especially involving minors, by making threats to expose intimate images actionable even if the images are never shared; the sponsor emphasized the harm to children and the need for early intervention. All three RS measures were introduced. The committee then heard House Bill 549, which would amend hospital district dissolution petition rules by requiring signatures from electors only, rather than both electors and property owners. The sponsor and a remote testifier said the current property-owner requirement is difficult or nearly impossible to verify in areas with many nonresident property owners and is inconsistent with other initiative laws. After testimony, the committee sent HB 549 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after completing its work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:12:24.800><c> companies</c> Cadence for health insurance companies Cadence for health insurance
• </c><02:12:53.320><c> companies</c> it requires health insurance companies it requires health insurance
• with the Department of Insurance and the providers under their contracts.
• </c><02:16:46.000><c> companies</c> prohibiting health insurance companies prohibiting health insurance
• </c><02:34:48.479><c> uh</c> Hampshire's largest nonprofit insurer uh Hampshire's largest nonprofit insurer

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He declines my insurance, which I'm required to provide. So now I'm not paying for his insurance.
• If I'm an employer and one of my employees declined my insurance, because Medicaid is a better insurance
• ' health insurance?
• , compared to how much the insurance company...
• Of money for a year of insurance compared to how much the insurance company would have to pay, the employee

Keywords: 1146, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Insurance costs are increasing.
• affordability and access issues for insurance across all lines.
• Do not whip out your insurance card, period.
• That employee, that injured person's insurance would be expected to pay, or if they're not insured, they
• It requires and it admits your health insurance information, your health insurance policy.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429 , SB 30

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Consolidated insurance programs are not the form of insurance that we do for our work.
• The level of insurance. Won't change because they're insuring for the full risk already.
• And it's not just their insurance. They're personally responsible.
• It's not limited to your insurance coverage. change?
• . aren't going to change because they're insuring for their full exposure anyway.

Bills: HB 431 , HB 1522 , HB 1922 , HB 2467 , HB 2468 , HB 3228 , HB 3229 , HB 3306 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 4219 , HB 4238 , HB 4344 , HB 4386 , HB 4739

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, open meetings, public notice, transparency, government efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the third group is the health insurance information, or the health insurers, that would have
• provides to the health insurer.
• Number 11, starting with January 1, 2020, health insurers shall provide historic data and trends for
• I know the insurance commissioner's office would be in the same vein.
• When they, when in their claims report, the facility will utilize the $500 cost to the insurer.

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every time I buy an insurance plan, you know, you do the best you can.
• Because if they had insurance, now they don't have insurance, and now they're going to get into COBRA
• I believe wholeheartedly we are going to have so many more people insured.
• the proportionate cost of the insurance to the employee.
• The insurance provider will include that in the coverage.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the insurance code for our state employees and so.
• Um, people with TDI regulated insurance have state-level parity protections.
• People with Medicaid and CHIP insurance have state-level parity protections.
• So it's like travel insurance, right?
• And we don't think it is insurance.

Bills: HB201 , HB272

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities

Transcript Highlights:

• TDI-regulated insurance have state-level parity protections.
• People with Medicaid and CHIP insurance— Medicaid and CHIP insurance have state-level parity protections
• You pay a little extra on travel insurance for, in case.
• It sounds like insurance. Well, it does, but it's currently. it's not.
• And we don't think it is insurance.

Bills: HB201 , HB272 , HB618 , HB 1094 , HB 1142 , HB201 , HB272

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, HB 618, Texas insurance code, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility treatment, infertility coverage, government employee health benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> insurance reforms. insurance reforms.
• insurer insurer accountable.
• </c><01:24:47.480><c> market</c> Vermont's health insurance market Vermont's health insurance market
• insurance-style reporting.
• </c> insurance, but but clearly they're not. insurance, but but clearly they're not.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also provides health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for state employees and provides
• property and casualty insurance for state entities.
• Insurance Management houses the offices of risk management and group insurance.
• Insurance Management houses the offices of risk management and group insurance and administers the Second
• Then Faith Nolten, who is the administrator of the Division of Insurance and Internal Support.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s divisions, staffing, dedicated-fund structure, recent budget growth, and the governor’s and JFAC’s recommended changes. The department requested shifts of utility costs from the general fund to dedicated funds, three new positions and funding for Medicaid procurement and contract management, transfers of some positions between divisions, and one-time IT replacement funding. Members also discussed office-space utilization, vacant buildings and land at Chinden and elsewhere, and the department’s efforts to consolidate space and reduce general fund reliance. Director Bailey said the department has reduced or repurposed positions, closed duplicate printing operations, is exploring digital workflows and AI tools, and is trying to move toward a fully dedicated-fund model. He also explained the decision to remove GLP-1 weight-loss coverage from the state health plan due to rapidly rising costs, while noting diabetes coverage remains in place. Committee members questioned the need for higher-level procurement staff for Medicaid contracts, the role of Deloitte and the Department of Health and Welfare in the process, and the status of the MMIS procurement, which Bailey said is currently stayed by the courts after a legal challenge from the second-place vendor. He said the delay will affect MMIS implementation and, in turn, the timing of the broader managed care rollout. Members also asked about vacant state office space, the possible sale of older buildings, and whether agencies such as ITD and Health and Welfare could be moved into state-owned space to reduce lease costs. Bailey said the department is actively working on those facility-planning questions and that agencies at Chinden are paying rent for occupied space. The committee then reviewed the Permanent Building Fund budget, which finances state construction, repairs, and deferred maintenance through dedicated revenue sources and interest earnings. Analysts highlighted the fund’s multi-year project structure, the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years, and a proposed one-time transfer of $33.75 million in canceled capital project balances to the general fund. They also described a possible redirection of fiscal year 2027 interest earnings to the general fund and a recommended new capital project for an Idaho National Guard readiness center. Administrator Barard reported that the Division of Public Works is managing 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said the division continues to face labor shortages and rising construction costs. Members asked about canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU pedestrian crossing, the Idaho State Police Lewiston facility, and other projects; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or other prerequisites are secured. The committee concluded the hearing and announced it would meet the next day for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of the State Public Defender.

Transcript Highlights:

• company as part of an insurance settlement.
• Brian Moore, committee staff: Vehicle as part of an insurance settlement.
• So it couldn't be amended to do that because it doesn't deal with insurance.
• The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is signed in pro, I believe, today, online.
• And you'll notice also that some insurance companies have signed in pro as well.

Bills: SB6252 , SB6265 , SB6081

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transit support grant, free transit, fare-free transit, zero-fare policy, community college students, technical college students, public transportation, youth transit, student transportation, Washington State, Department of Transportation, local sales tax, voter-approved sales tax, equity, environmental justice, low-barrier access, bus pass, rail transit, public transit agency, transit agency grants

Transcript Highlights:

• So our health insurance system is... Wage workers in our state.
• So our health insurance system is primarily a job-based system.
• And there are differences in who gets health insurance from their job across race and ethnicity.
• health insurance that protected the health and stability of our family.
• My last question is: health insurance is offered and then the employee denies it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So our health insurance system is Wage workers in our state.
• So our health insurance system is primarily a job-based system.
• So our health insurance system is primarily a job-based system.
• insurance, that protected the health and stability of our family.
• My last question is: health insurance is offered and then the employee denies it.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy Department of Health Care Services presentation on the governor’s Medi-Cal budget, including a $229.1 billion total-funds proposal, projected Medi-Cal enrollment declines as redeterminations continue, and several major cost drivers such as managed care growth, Medicare-related costs, pharmacy spending, and changes tied to federal policy. Members focused heavily on the elimination of Prop. 56 dental supplemental payments beginning July 1, 2026, questioning the likely impact on provider participation and utilization. DHCS said it is completing the required rate reduction/access analysis for CMS, has been holding stakeholder meetings and issuing provider bulletins, but could not yet quantify the real-world effect. The committee also discussed a $50 million savings proposal tied to new hospice utilization management authority and asked about possible effects on emergency dental care and provider participation. The hearing then moved through the November 2025 family health estimate and several county and program administration issues, including CCS, GHPP, and Every Woman Counts. DHCS said family health costs are rising despite slight caseload declines because of higher utilization and medical costs, and members raised concerns about CCS website accessibility, county administrative funding, and the transition of youth aging out of CCS. The department said most CCS beneficiaries are also on Medi-Cal, that counties have long raised funding concerns, and that it had clarified use of maintenance-and-operations dollars to address some county workload issues. Members also asked about Every Woman Counts potentially seeing higher demand as Medi-Cal changes take effect; DHCS said that is possible and that the program has multiple funding sources including General Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on provider taxes and federal changes under H.R. 1, especially the Medi-Cal managed care organization tax and the hospital quality assurance fee. DHCS explained that H.R. 1 restricts new or increased health care-related taxes, phases down allowable tax levels over time, and tightens “generally redistributive” rules, which could sharply reduce the state’s ability to use the MCO tax for Medi-Cal financing. Members asked whether the Legislature could amend Prop. 35 or whether voters would need to act; DHCS said a three-fourths legislative amendment may be possible if it aligns with the measure’s purpose, but the department is still evaluating options. The committee also discussed hospital financing, with DHCS describing recent increases in state-directed payments and the effect of H.R. 1 in capping those payments at Medicare levels, and the LAO noting the tradeoff between preserving provider taxes and maintaining Medi-Cal funding. The subcommittee also reviewed a series of DHCS budget change proposals and trailer bill items, including managed care final-rule implementation, managed care operations, a hospital value strategy, a one-year extension of skilled nursing facility financing, long-term care payment transparency, and interoperability/prior authorization requirements. Members repeatedly questioned the use of limited-term versus permanent positions, the overlap among proposals, and the timing of new financing reforms. DHCS said the SNF extension would preserve current workforce standards, sanctions, growth limits, and the SNF quality assurance fee while the department develops a broader 2027-28 redesign. No votes were taken; items were repeatedly held open for later action. Covered California then presented on the expiration of the federal enhanced premium tax credit and the resulting affordability crisis. The agency said Californians will lose about $2.5 billion in premium assistance for 2026, average premiums could nearly double for many enrollees, and as many as 400,000 people could eventually leave marketplace coverage. Open enrollment ended with 1.9 million sign-ups, down 3% from the prior year, with especially steep declines among middle-income consumers and increased movement into bronze plans. Covered California said the state’s $190 million affordability subsidy is helping lower-income enrollees retain coverage, but cannot fully replace the lost federal assistance. Members also asked about the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund, repayment of loans from that fund, the status of federal review of California’s essential health benefits benchmark, and implementation of the new gender-affirming care benefit under AB 144.

Transcript Highlights:

• more for home insurance than the national average.
• more for home insurance than the national average.
• more for home insurance than the national average.
• more for home insurance than the national average.
• more for home insurance than the national average.

Keywords: 1183, house