CALIFORNIA Took a Stand
Now It’s Time for the Rest of the Nation to Follow
PANS/PANDAS: A National Movement for Medical Access

From Misunderstood to Recognized

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) were once overlooked by much of the medical community. Today, they are finally gaining the national attention they deserve.

Renowned institutions including UCLA, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Columbia, and Stanford have conducted compelling research validating the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as a vital second-tier treatment for children suffering from these debilitating conditions.

California Leads with AB 2105

On January 1, 2025, California took a bold step forward by enacting AB 2105, a landmark law mandating insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of PANS/PANDAS.
This includes coverage for IVIG in cases where first-tier treatments—such as antimicrobials, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids—are insufficient.

The Science Is Clear

When infections cross the blood-brain barrier, they can ignite intense neuroinflammation in the basal ganglia, causing a child to change almost overnight. What was once a happy, thriving child may suddenly struggle with crippling neuropsychiatric symptoms like panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, uncontrollable tics, rage, or deep depression. But the suffering doesn’t stop there. Many children also experience devastating neurological and physical symptoms: difficulty walking or writing, extreme fatigue, joint pain, sleep disruption, frequent urination, and refusal or inability to eat. These symptoms can be terrifying for both the child and their family, and are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. This is not just a medical condition. It is a life-altering crisis that demands recognition, compassion, and timely intervention.

States With PANS/PANDAS Health Equity Laws

Listed in order of legislation adoption:

Illinois, Delaware, Arkansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Indiana, Maryland, Rhode Island, Oregon, Colorado, California, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee.

Currently, 35 states still lack laws guaranteeing insurance coverage for PANS/PANDAS treatment, leaving thousands of children without access to vital care