AB119 (Jones) and AB98 (De La Torre) - Act now!

Given all the info in our last post about why it is so important that we equalize access to health insurance for women, we urge you to ask the Governor to pass AB119 and AB98.

First, some information about both bills.

AB119
Prevents HMOs and insurers from charging men and women different rates for the same health insurance policies in the individual market.

From Assemblymember Dave Jones' press release:

“If higher rates for women keep them from being able to afford health care coverage, this can mean reduced access to health care and potentially result in poorer health status and health outcomes for women. When it comes to health benefits provided directly by employers, this type of gender discrimination has been banned for over thirty years. Those seeking health insurance in the individual market should have the same protections from gender discrimination as those whose health benefits are provided by their employers,”

From the Legislative Councel's Digest:

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

AB 98
AB 98 would require all insurance policies to provide coverage for maternity care services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postpartum care. Maternity care is basic and preventive health care for women. This bill would ensure that maternity costs are spread across the pool of all individuals who purchase insurance just like costs for other basic health care.

From California Center for Research on Women & Families

Gender discrimination in health insurance pricing has been banned for more than thirty years in the provision of group health benefits provided by employers but different rules apply to the individual market where gender discrimination is still permitted. Similarly, group health plans are required to provide coverage for maternity services but insurers are free to market individual policies without maternity coverage. This creates an enormous disadvantage for women who need to purchase their own insurance.

Please call Governor Schwarzenegger before October 11th - his last day to pass or veto these bills! Call ASAP because he can also sign or veto before the 11th.

San Francisco Office: 415.703.2218
Capitol Office:(automated line) 916.445.2841

Hi my name is __________ and I live in _____________.


I am calling to ask that the Governor pass AB119 – the bill that will eliminate gender discrimination in health insurance premiums.

Current law allows women to be charged more than men for the same health insurance policy. California women aged 18-54 are paying as much as 39% more than men for identical individual health plans. Women should not have to pay more than men for the same health care coverage.

Thank you.