California Code, Insurance Code - INS § 10735

The board shall contract with a broad range of carriers in an area, if available, to ensure that enrollees have a choice from among a reasonable number and types of competing carriers. The board shall develop and make available objective criteria for carrier selection and provide adequate notice of the application process to permit all carriers a reasonable and fair opportunity to participate. The criteria and application process shall allow participating carriers to comply with their state and federal licensing and regulatory obligations, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Carrier selection shall be based on the criteria developed by the board.

The administrator shall not eliminate any carrier from selection solely because of the carrier's size or limited service area.