Without adequate insurance coverage, most people cannot afford to get the help they need. That’s why we want you to help us urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 855.

This critical bill, which recently passed the legislature by overwhelming margins, would make California a national leader in increasing access to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders by ensuring that health plans cover “medically necessary” care. Currently, a primary way that health plans deny needed mental health and addiction care is by determining it is “not medically necessary” — using deeply flawed medical necessity criteria that are inconsistent with nationally recognized standards of care. In fact, last year, a federal court in California ruled that United Behavioral Health had wrongly denied coverage to more than 50,000 patients (more than half of whom where children). SB 855 would close an enormous gap in California law that allows insurers to deny medically necessary treatment by defining “medical necessity” in a way that aligns with their financial interests.

Use the templates below to call or email Governor Newsom:

Call Template

Call (916) 445-2841 

• Dial 1 for English, 2 for Spanish 
• Dial 6 to be connected with person 

One-touch: 916-445-2841,,1,,6 

Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I’m calling from [CITY], [STATE]. I’m calling today to request that Governor Newsom sign Senate Bill 855 into law. This bill is a crucial step in making sure Californians get the mental health coverage they need, and not just when it’s an emergency. With Covid-19 pandemic and the wildfires, we are in dire need of care. But as it stands, a lot of people aren’t able to get the treatment they need until they are in the middle of a crisis. Because this bill would put an end to insurance companies’ wrongful denials, people will finally get the mental health and addiction treatment they need. Californians can handle anything with the right support, and I hope Governor Newsom looks out for our mental health by signing this bill into law. Thank you.  

Email Template  

Go To: https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/ 

• Purpose of Communication is “Have Comment” 
• Fill out first name, last name, and email address 
• Subject is “SB00855\Health coverage: mental health” (select from dropdown list) 
• Click “Continue” 
• On next page, select “Pro” 
• Fill out the text box with your message 
• Click “Send Message” 

Dear Governor Newsom,  

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I’m writing to you from [CITY, STATE]. I request that you sign Senate Bill 855 into law so Californians can get the mental health coverage they need, and not just when it’s an emergency.  

With Covid-19 pandemic and the wildfires across California, we are in dire need of care. But as it stands, a lot of people aren’t able to get the treatment they need until they are in the middle of a crisis. Because this bill would put an end to insurance companies’ wrongful denials, people will finally get the mental health and addiction treatment they need. Californians can handle anything with the right support.  

Please sign SB 855 into law and make sure mental health care gets to everyone in California who needs it.  

Sincerely,  

NAME