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AB 280CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California AB 280 requires health plans to use a central utility for provider directory accuracy

Original title: Health care coverage: provider directories.

September 4, 2026

Healthcare Insurance Provider Directories Consumer Protection Healthcarecoverage providerdirectories

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Where This Stands

Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.

Version history & redline

5 versions on file

Official version history is partial: 5 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.

Comparing 06/30/25 - Amended Senate → 07/15/25 - Amended Senate

removed addedOfficial text

The text diff for this stage has not been computed yet.

OpenStates mirror retained for redline only; official linked text was unavailable

Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

The Frame

What this does

This bill shifts the burden of directory accuracy from patients to insurers, ensuring that patients are not surprised by out-of-network costs when they rely on information provided by their health plan.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Health care service plans

They must use a central utility, submit directories for analysis, and cover costs for inaccuracies.

Health insurers

They are required to use the central utility and follow uniform directory standards.

Enrollees and insureds

They are protected from out-of-network costs when relying on inaccurate directory information.

What changed

Last recorded activity September 4, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

AB 280 requires health care service plans and insurers to use a state-designated to manage and verify provider directory data to ensure accuracy. If a patient relies on incorrect directory information, the plan or insurer must cover the services at in-network cost-sharing rates.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I see a doctor listed as in-network, but they are actually out-of-network?

Under this bill, if you reasonably relied on inaccurate information in the directory, your plan must cover the services and you are only responsible for your in-network cost-sharing.

When do these new rules take effect?

Health plans and insurers must comply with these requirements on and after July 1, 2027.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Connected Entities

organizationDepartment of Managed Health Care“Regulates health care service plans and is authorized to update directory inform”Map →

otherKnox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975“Existing law governing health care service plans.”Map →

organizationDepartment of Insurance“Regulates health insurers and is authorized to update directory information form”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance85
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy40
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz30
Current news / social attention level

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