Author seeks 30‑day prior‑authorization deadline for rare‑disease treatments

Assemblymember Ziburr introduced AB 18 87, saying the bill would "help reduce unnecessary barriers that delay or interrupt access to life‑saving and life‑altering treatments for Californians living with rare diseases." The measure would require insurers to complete prior‑authorization reviews for prescribed rare‑disease treatments within 30 days and deem requests approved if the deadline is missed. Ziburr told the committee the change targets situations where there is only one FDA‑approved therapy and that the 30‑day window balances insurer review capacity with urgent patient needs.