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Committee backs SB 626 to standardize screening and require coverage options for perinatal mental health
Summary
SB 626 would require perinatal care providers to screen, diagnose and treat perinatal mental health conditions consistent with ACOG guidance and require plans to cover at least one FDA‑approved medication and one FDA‑approved digital therapeutic; sponsors said standardized screening and coverage will reduce maternal morbidity and deaths; insurers
Sen. Smallwood Cuevas introduced SB 626, a measure to require standardized screening, diagnosis and available treatment options for perinatal mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period in accord with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidance. The bill also requires health plans to cover at least one FDA‑approved medication and one FDA‑approved digital therapeutic for perinatal mood disorders, and requires insurer reporting on utilization and coordination outcomes.
Supporters described perinatal mental health conditions as common and under‑treated. The author and clinicians cited data that roughly one in five birthing people experiences perinatal depression and that many go untreated; witnesses said suicide and unrecognized severe psychiatric illness are leading causes of maternal mortality. Dr. Saurabh Kumar (ACOG District 9) testified that clinicians sometimes hesitate to screen or treat because of concern about coverage or lack of on‑label pharmaceuticals; he argued that requiring coverage of at least one FDA‑approved medication would give prescribers an on‑label option and encourage timely treatment. Jessica Walker and other advocates told the committee they or their constituents experienced delayed or absent screening and post‑partum follow‑up and that fear of child‑welfare intervention sometimes discourages disclosure.
The committee accepted amendments the author introduced to limit the statutory requirement to therapies and medications that have FDA approval at the time of enactment and to require insurer reporting on outcomes, prior‑authorization delays, and care coordination metrics. Insurer representatives (Association of California Life and Health Insurers, California Association of Health Plans) said they appreciated amendments and would continue to review implementation details. Supporters said the bill does not force medication on anyone but seeks to ensure at‑least one covered FDA‑approved on‑label option and a covered digital therapeutic option to expand timely access to evidence‑based care.
Ending: The committee moved SB 626 with amendments to appropriations. Supporters said the measure will reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and foster consistent clinical practice; insurers asked for clarification language and noted implementation and reporting requirements would require operational work.
