Blue Shield of California Anticipates SB 729 Compliance Delay to 2026

On June 13, 2025, the California Legislature passed a budget bill that includes funding and placeholder language for a compliance date extension for SB 729, from July 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

Blue Shield of California expects the Governor to sign this bill and the Department of Managed Healthcare (DMHC) to issue related guidance.

What this means for Blue Shield of California’s large group fully-insured clients:

• Subject to the Governor signing the budget bill and budget trailer bill, waiting to be passed by the Legislature, fully-insured Large Groups can expect changes to fertility coverage as outlined in SB 729 to take effect on or after January 1, 2026, upon new issuance or renewal.
• Any increase in plan premiums will take place in 2026 depending on the group’s population and specific plan designs.
• Groups that already renewed with a July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, effective date with originally mandated fertility benefits will see an adjusted rate.
• Coverage details are currently being reviewed by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). Following approval, plan documents such as EOCs and SOBs will be updated and distributed accordingly.

Please note the coverage approach for Small Business groups has been approved by DMHC and there are no changes to Blue Shield’s implementation approach. Small Business groups who select to offer fertility coverage under SB 729 will see coverage and benefit changes upon new enrollment or renewal.

Blue Shield of California will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available. Please view the SB 729 FAQs for additional details.​

See attached FAQ for more information.

Next Steps

• Stay updated: At Warner Pacific we are watching for any trailer bill activity before July 1.
• Talk with carriers: At Warner Pacific we are in discussions with insurers about how they’ll adjust plan benefits.
• Check plan renewals: Know when your clients’ plans renew to see when they’ll be impacted.
• Communicate clearly: Inform employees about the potential timing for new IVF and fertility coverage.