Newsom to Decide on Health Care Proposals Targeting Insulin Prices, Privacy Rights and More

September 22, 2025

Several health care bills awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's approval aim to improve access to affordable prescription drugs, reduce medical care delays, and enhance privacy protections for Californians. These bills include measures to cap insulin costs at $35 monthly, regulate pharmacy benefit managers, streamline prior authorization processes, and ensure patients receive information about hospital financial assistance. The legislation also includes privacy protections for immigrants seeking medical care and safeguards for abortion information, responding to concerns about federal enforcement and interstate legal conflicts regarding reproductive healthcare.

Who is affected

Diabetes patients who face high insulin costs
Patients experiencing delays in care due to prior authorization requirements
Uninsured or low-income patients eligible for hospital financial assistance
Immigrants seeking medical care who fear deportation
Abortion providers and patients in California
Health insurance customers and pharmacy customers

What action is being taken

Legislators have passed several healthcare bills that now await Governor Newsom's decision by October 12
State officials are implementing a $100 million CalRx initiative to manufacture low-cost insulin
Lawmakers are reintroducing measures previously vetoed, such as the insulin cost cap
The state is establishing regulations for pharmacy benefit managers through a recent budget deal
Hospitals are being required to screen patients for financial assistance eligibility

Why it matters

Prescription drug spending increased by nearly 11% between 2022 and 2023, driving up overall healthcare costs
High insulin costs lead some patients to ration medication or skip doses
Prior authorization processes cause care delays that can worsen patients' conditions
Many eligible patients don't apply for hospital financial assistance programs
Immigration enforcement at medical facilities creates fear among patients
Inter-state legal conflicts regarding abortion are creating legal risks for California providers

What's next

Governor Newsom has until October 12 to approve or veto these measures
If signed, the hospital financial assistance screening bill would take effect in 2027
The CalRx initiative aims to eventually produce low-cost insulin, though no insulin has been produced yet

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint