Menjivar’s health benefits expansion push
State Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Senate Health Committee, this week spearheaded legislative support for the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) submission of an application to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on behalf of the state to update California’s benchmark plan.
Adopting a new benchmark plan would expand coverage to include services to evaluate, diagnose, and treat infertility including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and artificial insemination, an annual hearing exam and hearing aids, and expanded durable medical equipment (DME) benefits, including coverage for mobility devices such as walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, and scooters, among other new DME coverage.
The DMHC has been working over the last year with the Newsom Administration and the state legislature to update California’s benchmark plan. This includes holding public meetings to share information on expanding essential health benefits (EHBs) and the process of updating the state’s benchmark plan.
“Moving towards expanding California’s Essential Health Benefits marks a huge step forward for people with hearing loss, disabilities, and those struggling with infertility. The new proposed benchmark plan means children who are hard of hearing or deaf will have coverage for the hearing aids that make a significant difference in their development and well-being. Folks who are currently cut off from family-building because of financial barriers will be able to make this important reproductive decision for themselves. And those whose mobility relies on access to durable medical equipment will have increased coverage for their means of independence,” said Menjivar.
“This additional coverage would be life-altering, and I am thankful to the Administration, experts, and community stakeholders who came together to craft a benchmark plan that serves Californians,” the lawmaker added.
If approved by CMS, the new benchmark plan requirements would take effect January 1, 2027.
Bass, Butts share Olympic moment
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. (D) yesterday announced the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will serve as the official venues for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In 2028, the Coliseum will become the first venue in history to host three Olympic Games—in 1932, 1984, and 2028.
“Today’s announcement marks a proud milestone as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will become the first venue in history to host three Olympic Games,” said Bass. “For over a century, the Coliseum has been a landmark host to some of the most iconic moments in all of sports history. That story continues in 2028 as our City and our region welcomes the world for what will be the greatest Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“As a proud LA28 Venue City, the City of Inglewood is honored to play such a pivotal role in the 2028 Games,” said Butts. “Our stadium is one of the most impressive in the world and will deliver an incredible experience for thousands of in-person fans, with millions more watching from home, as we come together to celebrate the Opening Ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Lieu reintroduces LGBTQ conversion therapy ban
U.S. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach), along with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), reintroduced their federal ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy.
The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act seeks to ban conversion therapy, a practice where so-called therapists fraudulently claim they can ‘cure’ children of their LGBTQ identities. The practice has been recognized by the national community of professionals in education, social work, health, and counseling as dangerous and useless.
Lieu authored the first-ever ban on youth conversion therapy in the nation as a California State Senator. He has introduced federal bans in the 114th, 115th, 116th, 117th and 118th Congresses.
“Conversion therapy is a scam that hurts LGBTQ kids,” said Lieu “Using fake science and unearned credentials, conversion therapists prey on vulnerable kids to convince them that who they are is not okay. Major medical organizations oppose the practice because it is harmful and ineffective. We’re overdue for a national ban and I am pleased to once again partner with Senators Murray and Booker on this bill.”
