Under proposed legislation, patients seeking mental health care after natural disasters will require California insurance providers to repay the emotional and psychological trauma of wildfire victims.
Eaton and Palisades began fires on January 7, burning down blockbusters of Los Angeles County, destroying more than 11,000 buildings, killing 29 people and about $30 billion in property damage. Experts and lawmakers expect the disaster could bring lasting emotional and physical scars to residents who are subverted by tragically.
Parliament President Robert Rivas said: “As Angelenos continues to recover from the devastating fires, the Parliament is moving quickly to help and support residents, including in terms of psychological and behavioral health. .”
Bill 1032, written by the General Assembly, and supported by Rivas, will require health care services programs and insurers to repay eligible annual visits Enrolled students if they enjoy 12 visits in the behavioral health care providers held. by local or state emergency situations associated with wildfires.
Harabedian said lawmakers focused all their focus on “body reconstruction” but “the short-term and long-term effects of the mental health of wildfires have not been prioritized yet.”
If the bill passes and is signed into law, the benefit will begin in 2026 and will be available up to the maximum after an official state of emergency.
From January 7 to January 15, the suicide and crisis lifeline in 988 increased by five times, and the number of calls related to the disaster distress hotline index in the Los Angeles area increased by five times, according to the Harabedian office. Dominant emotional caller reports include “fear, sadness and real uncertainty.”
Dr. Le Ondra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association. Supporters of the bill say that physical symptoms that may be encountered during and after natural disasters may include fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, difficulty falling asleep, brain fog, inability to concentrate and flashbacks.
“Wildfires are not an anomaly for Southern California, but the number of wildfires that occur simultaneously. Compared to the wildfires I have seen in my life, the number of murderers is indeed disastrous.” For residents of urban areas, “Shocks are more influential” because they can be more “blind to guard”.
Researchers, according to 2024 Research From nature’s mental health, the relationship between anxiety and wildfires was studied and it was found that emergency room visits increased after wildfire incidents in California and other parts of the United States from 2007 to 2018.
Among the most vulnerable people in these disasters are children and the elderly, Clark Harvey said, and she stressed the need for ongoing care.
“It’s important for people to understand how to take care of themselves during this time,” she said. “If you do not have any normal impact on your day job after a natural disaster, then don’t wait and resolve it as soon as possible.”
