Office of Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
AB 432 poster

The Menopause Care Equity Act (AB 432)

Menopause has long been overlooked in healthcare policy, but the conversation is finally changing. High-profile figures, like Halle Berry, have spoken out about the challenges of navigating menopause without proper medical guidance, highlighting the widespread need for better care. With growing public awareness and support, it's time for policy to catch up. The consequences of this lack of medical attention are staggering:

  • 94% of women report being inadequately informed about menopause and other common female health issues.
  • 73% of women are not treating their menopause symptoms, leading to unnecessary health risks and economic burdens.
  • Up to 70% of women who seek medical care for menopause symptoms do not receive the necessary treatment.
  • Only 19% of women aged 40-60 receive an official menopause diagnosis, despite experiencing symptoms.

What the Act (AB 432) Does

AB 432 takes critical steps to ensure that all women receive the care they need by:

  1. Mandating comprehensive insurance coverage for medically necessary menopause and perimenopause treatments, eliminating restrictive utilization management practices that have historically blocked access to care.
  2. Requiring physicians to complete menopause-specific Continuing Medical Education (CME) if more than 25% of their patient population consists of women, ensuring providers have the knowledge to properly diagnose and treat menopause. Directing the Medical Board to develop Continuing Medical Education curriculum to ensure physicians receive up-to-date and standardized training for treating menopause.
  3. Current CME requirements mandate education on topics such as pain management and care for terminally ill patients, but menopause education remains optional—leaving many doctors ill-equipped to support their patients.

“Women should not have to fight for access to medically necessary care simply because menopause is under-researched and misunderstood,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “This bill ensures that menopause is treated as a priority in our healthcare system, not as a taboo.”

AB 432 is a crucial step toward recognizing menopause as a significant healthcare issue and ensuring that millions of women receive the coverage, treatment, and respect they deserve. The Bowers WBHI is proud to advocate alongside Asm Bauer-Kahan on this transformative piece of legislation.