Starting in 2014 - it will be illegal to have lifetime caps on health insurance. Also limits on "essential services" will be illegal. They are loosely defined as:

- Emergency services - Prescription drugs - Mental and behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment - Preventive, wellness, and chronic disease management - Pediatric services - Maternity and newborn care

Excluding based on pre-existing conditions will also be illegal starting in 2014. Until then - California has a health plan for pre-existing conditions here: http://www.pcip.ca.gov/Home/default.aspx and you can find information for all state here: https://www.pcip.gov/