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Health Net News

Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccine Access Expands to Pharmacies

Members can get the vaccine at a $0 copay

Shingrix is an immunization covered under the medical benefit; however, many PCPs do not stock the vaccine, resulting in members being redirected to out of network pharmacies meaning coverage may not apply. To improve access, we’ve arranged for Shingrix to be administered through participating or contracted pharmacies—while still allowing members to receive it at their doctor’s office, if available.

What You Need To Know – No Action Required

• Shingrix will be covered under the pharmacy benefit as a preventive medication at $0 copay.
• No contract modifications are required.

This update resolves the current gap where members were redirected to pharmacies but found the vaccine was not covered.

Note

The Shingrix vaccine is available to members 50 years of age and older. Members may obtain an immunization from their physician or at a participating pharmacy, at no charge.

Questions

If you have questions, please contact your Health Net Account Manager.

Do Members Need Form 1095-B to File Taxes?

Health Net began mailing Form 1095-B (Proof of Health Coverage) to eligible members starting January 31, 2026. The IRS deadline to furnish Form 1095-B is March 2, 2026.

Form 1095-B is not required when members file their federal or state 2025 federal or state tax return.

However, we recommend that members retain the form with their tax records in case they are asked to provide proof of their healthcare coverage.

Who will Receive Form 1095-B?

Health Net mailed Form 1095-B to members who had individual or group health coverage with Health Net during calendar year 2025, including:

• Individual & Family Plans (off-Exchange)¹
• Small Business Group plans
• Large Business Group plans

_{¹ Members enrolled in a Health Net Individual & Family Plan through Covered California will be mailed a 1095-A directly from Covered California, not Health Net.}

Health Net will also forward Form 1095-B information to the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to validate reported months of coverage.

For more details please visit:

• CA Health Net
• CA Ambetter

New California Health Care Laws – 2026

As of Jan. 1, 2026, several new California health care laws are now in effect. These laws include measures intended to: reduce administrative burdens, protect the physician-patient relationship from corporate and AI interference, and expand equitable access to essential care.

1. Protecting Patients From Misleading AI (AB 489 – Bonta)
   As artificial intelligence becomes more common in health care settings, AB 489 prohibits AI chatbots and systems from misrepresenting themselves as licensed medical professionals. The law requires clear disclosures so patients understand when they are interacting with AI rather than a physician or other licensed provider.
2. Limiting Private Equity Interference in Clinical Care (SB 351 – Cabaldon)
   SB 351 helps ensure doctors - not investor or corporate owners - make decisions about patient care. This law reinforces existing rules that prohibit non‑physicians from directing or interfering with clinical judgment. It also gives the California Attorney General stronger tools to step in when business arrangements cross the line and improperly influence medical decision-making.
3. Reducing Prior Authorization Delays (SB 306 – Becker)
   SB 306 gives state regulators the authority to eliminate prior authorization requirements for specific services, on a code-bycode basis, when those requirements are determined to be unnecessary or overly burdensome. The goal is to reduce administrative delays and allow patients to receive care more quickly.
4. Safeguarding Vaccine Access (AB 144)
   AB 144 preserves California's existing vaccine coverage requirements under state law, even if federal guidelines are narrowed in the future. Coverage decisions must continue to be based on independent medical evidence, and applicable plans must maintain access to recommended vaccines without cost-sharing barriers.
5. Lowering Insulin Costs (SB 40 – Wiener)
   SB 40 caps insulin out-of-pocket costs $35 for a 30-day supply and prohibits application of deductibles on prescription insulin for state-regulated plans.
6. Infertility Coverage (SB 729 – Menjivar)
   Effective January 1, 2026, SB 729 requires fully insured large-group health plans to cover expanded infertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Health Net implemented this benefit earlier, effective July 1, 2025, for new and renewing large group plans.

Together, these laws mark a significant step forward in protecting patients, supporting physicians, and improving access to critical health care services across California.

In the Community

Health Net & Pro Football Hall of Fame Honor Sacramento Youth During Super Bowl Week

Health Net partnered with the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 4 to honor Sacramento's healthcare heroes and inspire local students through two community events: Salute to Service and Strong Youth, Strong Communities (SYSC).

Honoring Healthcare Heroes

At WellSpace Health Alhambra Community Health Center, Health Net and WellSpace recognized frontline medical staff serving vulnerable populations across Sacramento. Attendees—including Hall of Famers Warren Moon, Fred Biletnikoff, Darrell Green, and NCAA Final Four athlete Iman McFarland—visited with providers, signed autographs, toured the clinic, and celebrated the organization's impact.

Inspiring Local Youth

Later at River City High School, more than 2,000 students participated in SYSC, a motivational assembly featuring pro football legends and local leaders. Youth heard powerful messages about mental health, resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity—reinforcing the support systems available to them at school and in the community.

Both events highlight Health Net's ongoing commitment, alongside Centene and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to uplift community heroes and empower the next generation across Sacramento.

Wellness

March is National Nutrition Month^®

Just For Fun

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With an Irish Movie

As St. Patrick's Day rolls around, it's the perfect excuse to gather the family, grab some snacks, and kick back with a feel‑good movie. Whether you’re leaning into the green‑themed fun or just looking for a cozy night in, streaming something light and family‑friendly is an easy way to get everyone in the spirit. So pour yourself a little Irish cheer (hot cocoa counts!) and let the festivities begin.

Top Ten Recommended Family Movies

1. The Secret of Kells (2009): A beautifully animated fantasy about a young monk in a medieval outpost.
2. Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959): A classic Disney film about a leprechaun king and a man's charm-filled adventures. (Did you know James Bond could sing?)
3. Into the West (1992): A heartwarming tale of two boys, a magical horse, and a journey across Ireland.
4. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994): A magical story about a young girl and her family's connection to mythical selkies.
5. A Shine of Rainbows (2009): A touching story about a young boy's new life with a gentle woman on a remote Irish island.
6. Song of the Sea (2014): A stunning animated adventure from Cartoon Saloon based on Irish mythology.
7. The Luck of the Irish (2001): A Disney Channel Original Movie about a boy discovering his leprechaun heritage.
8. The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966): A Disney historical action film set in 16th-century Ireland.
9. Wolfwalkers (2020): Another beautifully animated masterpiece from Cartoon Saloon about a young hunter and her friendship with a girl from a mysterious tribe.
10. The Song of Wandering Aengus (Various/Folklore): While more of a myth, films featuring Irish folklore and tales of fairies are widely popular for family viewing.

Other notable mentions include the animated film The Breadwinner (which features Irish animation talent) and the heartwarming Puffin Rock and the New Friends (2023).

Have a Happy and Fun St. Patrick's Day!