Governor Newsom calls on Trump administration to remove roadblocks to California's expansion of essential health benefits, including IVF

~ SACRAMENTO - In a recent press release, Governor Gavin Newsom called on the Trump administration to remove roadblocks hindering California's expansion of essential health benefits. The state's application to update its essential health benefits (EHBs) includes the expansion of coverage requirements for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a crucial service for many Californians struggling with fertility issues.

Governor Newsom urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to resume its review of current benchmark plan applications and approve California's proposal to expand access to IVF and other essential services. He also called for the withdrawal of a proposed rule that would create new financial barriers to expanded coverage.

"The President's HHS must withdraw this proposed rule now and approve California's updated essential health benefits so our state can expand fertility care services and other critical services," said Governor Newsom. "President Trump calls himself the 'father of IVF,' yet his actions threaten IVF access to fertility care for millions of Californians."

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The proposed rule by HHS aims to reduce rising premiums, but Governor Newsom argues that California's proposed additions to its benchmark plan are not a primary driver of premium increases. In fact, the new rule would lock states into outdated benefit standards, freezing benefits at levels established more than a decade ago despite significant advances in medicine and technology.

California's updated benchmark plan, developed in partnership with the Legislature and submitted in May 2025, would expand coverage beginning in 2027 to include fertility services such as IVF, hearing aids for children, and mobility devices like wheelchairs. The proposal fully complies with federal actuarial requirements that limit premium increases.

However, if HHS proceeds with its proposed rule and continues to delay review of state applications, millions of Californians in the individual and small group markets could be denied access to these critical services. This goes against federal commitments to expand IVF access, including the President's February 2025 Executive Order calling for reliable access to IVF treatment.

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Governor Newsom also highlighted the waste of time and resources caused by HHS's delay in reviewing EHB applications. This delay will result in a waste of resources for both states and federal staff who have already begun reviewing existing EHB applications. If HHS does not remove its pause immediately, California and other states with pending EHB applications will have to restart a years-long process of developing a new benchmark plan.

In addition, HHS failed to provide a reasonable amount of time for interested persons to participate in the proposed rulemaking. The deadline for submission of comments in response to the proposed rule barely meets the minimum time of 30 days and is less than the comment period provided by HHS in previous years.

Despite these challenges, California remains committed to expanding access to modern, evidence-based care and ensuring families have access to the services they need to thrive. In other recent news, Governor Newsom celebrated the reopening of salmon fishing in California after a three-year closure due to efforts to restore salmon populations. He also highlighted the economic impact of Indio's world-renowned music festivals, Coachella and Stagecoach, which generate $700 million for the local economy each year. Additionally, Governor Newsom welcomed NASA's Artemis II crew back to Earth as they splashed down off the coast of California after a successful mission. The Golden State played an instrumental role in this mission's success and is proud to welcome the crew back home.

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