Calif. Bill Increases Disclosure for Pet Insurers

California lawmakers are bringing a version of health care reform to your pets.

A bill that passed this week in the state Assembly would require greater disclosure from health insurance companies that cover animals.

The bill by Democratic Assemblyman Dave Jones of Sacramento would require an insurer to disclose on the main page of its Web site any policy that limits coverage. Insurers also would have to make it clear whether they deny coverage based on preexisting conditions.

AB2411 passed the Assembly on a 43-16 vote and now moves to the Senate.

The bill originally sought to ban pet insurers from denying coverage to animals with a preexisting condition, but that provision was removed from the bill.