Governor Newsom announces groundbreaking menopause health care initiative in 2026-27 budget

California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new budget proposal that would significantly expand access to perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopausal care across the state. Included as part of the 2026-27 budget trailer bill, the plan underscores California’s commitment to making health care more affordable, equitable, and responsive to women’s needs.

“This proposal will expand access to essential, evidence-based care in a way that’s affordable and fiscally responsible for the state,” Governor Newsom stated. “At a time when Trump’s Big Ugly Bill is driving up health care costs nationwide, California is doing the opposite: lowering barriers and putting women’s health first.”

Under this proposal, California would mandate that specific health plans — including Medi-Cal — cover FDA-approved treatments related to the symptoms of menopause. It would also require primary care and OB/GYN providers to screen women age 40 and older for menopause during routine appointments and notify them of relevant services available through their health plans.

Awareness, Training, and Access at the Core

The proposal is not just about coverage. It also includes a $3 million investment for a statewide public awareness campaign, and offers incentives for physicians to receive specialized training in menopause care. By focusing on education and professional development, the initiative aims to close the health care knowledge gap that has long left many women without answers or support for debilitating symptoms.

“At every stage in life, women deserve access to affordable health care that meets them where they are — especially when experiencing the life-altering symptoms connected to menopause conditions that have long been under-recognized in our health care system,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “California always has and will continue to invest in women, and I’m proud that we are advancing awareness and expanding access to critical menopause-related care.”

Lawmakers and Advocates Applaud the Move

The proposal has already drawn strong support from state lawmakers and advocacy groups. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan called it “a critical step toward closing the healthcare gap that has left too many women without the support they need.” She praised the Governor for prioritizing both access and education, noting that “most women still struggle to receive proper diagnosis, care, and treatment.”

Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón added that menopause care remains “an often overlooked and under-resourced area of care despite impacting more than half of the population.” She committed to working alongside the Governor and other lawmakers to ensure the proposal becomes law and improves real access for California women.

Jodi Hicks, CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, highlighted the disproportionate impact on women of color, who often face greater challenges accessing menopause care. “Many women, especially women of color, lack information and access to menopause care — leaving them feeling vulnerable to misinformation and mistreatment,” Hicks said. “This is a positive step forward on this critical, and too often neglected, issue.”

Building on a Legacy of Health Affordability

Governor Newsom’s track record on health care affordability has set California apart from many other states. Since 2019, his administration has taken bold steps to reduce prescription drug prices and broaden access to care, including:

• Capping insulin costs at $35 per monthly supply through SB 40.

• Launching CalRx insulin at $11 a pen — making California the first state to manufacture its own insulin.

• Cutting costs for naloxone with CalRx and offering it statewide for $24 per carton.

• Creating the Office of Health Care Affordability to control spending and address consolidation.

• Investing over $140 million in Planned Parenthood to protect services amid federal attacks on reproductive health.

As health insurance premiums rise across the nation under what Newsom calls Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill,” California is charting a different path — one that puts women, access, and equity at the center of its health care priorities. With the 2026-27 budget proposal, the state is not only tackling a critical gap in women’s health but also reaffirming its leadership in affordable, forward-thinking health policy.