Press Release
Sacramento, CA — April 9, 2025: Personal Tragedy Fuels Legislative Change in Addiction Treatment Coverage
In a powerful testimony at the Capitol Annex in Sacramento, Christine Matlock Dougherty championed two critical health care bills aimed at reforming insurance coverage for addiction treatment. Her son, Ryan Matlock, tragically died from a fentanyl overdose in 2021, following his insurance provider’s refusal to continue coverage for his treatment after just three days.
Dougherty traveled over 400 miles from Yucaipa to advocate for Assembly Bill 669 and Senate Bill 363, both designed to enhance accountability in health insurance practices. AB 669 stipulates that health plans must assess a patient’s eligibility for ongoing substance use treatment no sooner than 28 days after initial approval. In contrast, her son’s plan abruptly revoked coverage shortly after his admission. Senate Bill 363 mandates health insurers to report the frequency of treatment denials to the state, providing transparency in a system still marred by discrepancies despite a landmark law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom five years ago.
"Advocating for these proposals is what Ryan would have wanted me to do. It helps me find a reason why it was him," Dougherty expressed, underscoring the personal nature of her fight for reform.
The current legislative session is evaluating several bills aimed at rectifying flaws in behavioral health coverage. While efforts have been made to improve access to mental health and addiction services, significant gaps remain, leading advocates like Dougherty to push for more comprehensive solutions that could prevent future tragedies.
As these bills progress through the legislature, the hope is to create a more supportive environment for those seeking treatment for addiction, ultimately saving lives and preventing heartbreaking losses like Dougherty’s.
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