Health Policy Rollup: State Action We Watched in September and October 2025
Here are the bills we watched last month.
California Prior Authorization Reform
California SB 306 was signed into law, requiring health plans to report prior authorization data, including denial rates. The law also creates a gold-carding-style program that directs the state to identify healthcare services with approval rates of 90 percent or higher. For those services, plans, and insurers must eliminate prior authorization requirements by a department-set date, no later than January 1, 2028.
Kansas 340B Drug Program Review
In late September, the Legislature's Special Committee on Pharmaceutical Studies met to discuss the 340B drug program and heard testimony from various stakeholders. The Paragon Health Institute argued that large health systems have used the program to increase profits. Following the discussion, the committee recommended drafting legislation to improve transparency in the 340B program and called for an audit by the Legislative Division of Post Audit.
New Mexico Rural Healthcare Funding Initiative
In early October, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) convened a special legislative session to address several key funding and policy issues. Lawmakers approved measures to guide New Mexico's application for the federal Rural Transformation Program, expand rural healthcare funding, and prepare for the possible expiration of federal Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) by authorizing additional Marketplace insurance subsidies. The state's Rural Health Care Delivery Fund will receive $50 million in new state funds—intended primarily for Medicaid providers—alongside any federal support. Legislators also considered $17 million in Marketplace subsidies for enrollees. Additionally, SB 3 was enacted to allow the Department of Health to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for children and draw on sources beyond federal guidance for vaccination policy.
West Coast Regional Vaccination Guidelines
On Wednesday, September 17, the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) issued its winter virus vaccination recommendations for residents of California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. The recommendations include the 2025-2026 COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines. The Health Officers of the WCHA and subject matter experts reviewed guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians to derive the recommendations.
Track Health Care Policy
The ever-evolving state health policy landscape will continue to influence how health care organizations make business decisions. MultiState's team pulls from decades of expertise to help you effectively navigate and engage. MultiState's team understands the issues, knows the key players and organizations, and we harness that expertise to help our clients effectively navigate and engage on their policy priorities. We offer customized strategic solutions to help you develop and execute a proactive multistate agenda focused on your company's goals. Learn more about our Health Care Policy Practice.