An act to add Chapter 7.8 (commencing with Section 14199.200) to Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to health care.
Impact
The California Health Access Fund is designed to mitigate adverse effects on state health care systems due to reduced enrollment in Medi-Cal. By allowing the fund to receive deposits equivalent to state savings from decreased Medicaid enrollment caused by federally imposed barriers, the legislation seeks to ensure that California residents who lose coverage can continue receiving necessary health care services. Additionally, the fund would provide reimbursement to health care providers for these services, thus supporting both recipients and providers within the health care ecosystem.
Summary
Senate Bill 987, introduced by Senator Weber Pierson on February 5, 2026, aims to create the California Health Access Fund within the State Treasury. This fund will be administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and will serve to address the impacts of federal law changes on the Medi-Cal program, particularly those resulting from new requirements regarding Medicaid eligibility that were enacted on July 4, 2025. These changes include increased work or community engagement reporting and more frequent redeterminations for certain Medicaid populations, which have raised concerns about decreased enrollment and access to health care for vulnerable individuals.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 987 pertain to the balance of state and federal authority in health care administration, particularly the implications of federally mandated enrollment requirements. Critics may argue that the bill does not go far enough to protect the rights of low-income individuals, while supporters may assert it provides essential safeguards. The bill reflects a broader concern regarding accessibility to health care and underscores the importance of ensuring that those affected by regulatory changes have continued access to vital services.
An act to add Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 8300) to Division 8 of Section 4755 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to behavioral health. developmental services.
An act to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 128570) to Chapter 5 of Part 3 of Division 107 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to maternal care and services.
An act to amend Sections 15102, 15106, 15268, and 15270 of, to add Article 8 (commencing with Section 89800) to Chapter 6 of Part 55 of Division 8 of Title 3 of, to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 92170) to Chapter 2 of Part 57 of Division 9 of Title 3 of, and to add Part 71 (commencing with Section 101200) to Division 14 of Title 3 of, the Education Code,
relating to education finance, by providing the funds necessary therefor through an election for the issuance and sale of bonds of the State of California and for the handling and disposition of these funds.
An act to add Section 25534.07 to the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Section 7856 of, and to add and repeal Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 7875) of Part 7.5 of Division 5 of, the Labor Code, relating to employment.