The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of health care accessibility for all. As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I championed as part of our health care budget a historic provision to expand coverage to hundreds of thousands of Californians.

Signed into law by Governor Newsom in July, Assembly Bill (AB) 133:

• Expands, as of May 1, 2022, Medi-Cal coverage to an estimated 235,000 undocumented Californians age 50 and over.
• Supports behavioral health initiatives for youth and people with severe behavioral health challenges, including those experiencing homelessness.
• Extends the Medi-Cal postpartum care period from 60 days to 12 months without requiring a mental health diagnosis, including for eligible undocumented Californians.
• Extends, through 2022, the flexibility for funding telehealth services enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Thankfully, due to strong revenues, we have been able to expand healthcare services during the pandemic, reducing the amount of uncompensated care from providers. These changes exemplify our state government's commitment to equitable health care access for all.

PHIL TING
Assemblymember, 19th District

P.S.: Come to our Autumn Moon Festival on Clement Street this Saturday, September 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM! More details here.