Bill > SB528

This bill addresses potential reductions in federal funding for certain healthcare services in California's Medi-Cal program (the state's Medicaid program) by establishing mechanisms to maintain healthcare coverage. Specifically, the bill requires the California Health and Human Services Agency and the State Department of Health Care Services to develop new programs or expand existing state-only funded programs to continue providing healthcare services if federal financial participation is reduced or eliminated. These services may include, but are not limited to, abortion, family planning, and gender-affirming care, and would potentially cover not just Medi-Cal beneficiaries but also other populations. The bill creates a new Health Care Maintenance and Expansion Fund, which can receive both state appropriations and private donations, to support these efforts. The legislation is motivated by potential future federal policy changes that might limit funding for specific healthcare services, with the goal of ensuring Californians maintain access to comprehensive healthcare regardless of federal policy shifts. The bill's provisions are subject to legislative appropriation and are designed to be flexible in determining which services to prioritize based on the needs of target populations and the extent of potential federal funding reductions.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB528