September 15th, 2025
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
California State Governor
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Request for Signature of Assembly Bill 432 (Bauer-Kahan)
Dear Governor Newsom,
Mental Health America of California (MHAC) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 432 (Bauer-Kahan), legislation that would require health plans to cover services for the evaluation and treatment of perimenopause and menopause.
MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families, and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues. The people and communities we aim to serve include those of all ages; sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression; language, racial and ethnic backgrounds, national origin, and immigration status; spirituality and religious affiliations; or socioeconomic status. In alignment with our mission, MHAC supports expanding coverage of physical health care to prevent related mental health challenges from developing.
Women going through menopause can see shifts in their hormone levels, putting them at elevated risk for depression and anxiety. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, between 45% and 60% of women experience depression during menopause.[1] Expanding coverage for perimenopause and menopause services would allow women to access care in a timely manner, reducing the risk of associated mental health challenges. This bill ensures that health plans will cover these services, leading to improved mental health outcomes for women.
It is for these reasons MHAC supports AB 432 (Bauer-Kahan) and asks for your signature. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at kvicari@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.
In Community,
Karen Vicari
Director of Public Policy
Mental Health America of California
[1] Spencer, E. D., & Witkin, M. (2025, April 1). Menopause and mental health: Understanding the connection and recommendations for treatment | anxiety and depression association of america, ADAA. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/menopause-and-mental-health
