Legislation Ending “Fail First” Insurance Requirements Clears Senate Health Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 25, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Asm. Harabedian Advances Bill to Cut Insurance Roadblocks in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Legislation Ending “Fail First” Insurance Requirements Clears Senate Health Committee
(SACRAMENTO, CA) - For Californians living with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, treatment delays can have devastating consequences. Legislation to remove one of the most common insurance barriers to care moved one step closer to becoming law today as AB 1970, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), passed the Senate Health Committee.
Current insurance practices often require patients to try medications preferred by an insurer before receiving the treatment originally prescribed by their doctor. For individuals seeking treatment for conditions such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance use disorders, these delays can interrupt recovery, increase the likelihood of hospitalization, and create additional obstacles at a time when access to care is most critical.
“Someone who has finally taken the difficult step of asking for help should not be met with another hurdle,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “When a doctor determines the best course of treatment, patients deserve access to that care without unnecessary delays imposed by an insurance company. For people facing a mental health crisis or battling addiction, waiting weeks or months can mean the differences between recovery and a much worse outcome.”
The need for improved access to behavioral health treatment continues to grow across California as communities confront rising mental health challenges, substance use disorders, homelessness, and behavioral health workforce shortages. Supporters of AB 1970 argue that reducing delays in treatment will help patients remain engaged in care and improve long term outcomes.
“AB 1970 is a critical step toward ensuring Californians can access the right treatment at the right time,” said CEO Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey. “Every barrier placed between a patient and medically appropriate treatment increases the risk of worsening symptoms, hospitalization, homelessness, involvement with emergency systems, and even death. Behavioral health providers should be empowered to prescribe the treatment they know is best for their patients, not be forced to navigate insurer-imposed obstacles that delay care.”
This bill advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee as it progresses through the Legislative process.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
