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SB 944

Medi-Cal: acupuncture.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Fong and 2 co-sponsors

SB 944 expands California Medi-Cal coverage to include acupuncture services for low-income beneficiaries, pending committee approval and fiscal review.

Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
#medi-cal #acupuncture
1
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Bill Summary · SB 944

Legislative bill overview

SB 944 would expand Medi-Cal coverage to include acupuncture services as a covered benefit for eligible beneficiaries. The bill is currently in the California State Senate Health Committee after being introduced in February 2026, with a hearing scheduled for March 25, 2026.

Why is this important

Medi-Cal serves nearly 15 million low-income Californians, and expanding covered services directly affects healthcare access and state budget allocations. This change could increase treatment options for pain management and chronic conditions, particularly for populations with limited access to alternative therapies, though it also carries significant fiscal implications for the state's healthcare budget.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget impact: Determining acupuncture coverage scope, frequency limits, and reimbursement rates could substantially increase Medi-Cal expenditures, raising questions about fiscal sustainability and competing priorities
  • Clinical evidence standards: Debate over whether acupuncture meets evidence-based medicine criteria for state-funded coverage versus being considered complementary/alternative medicine with limited peer-reviewed support
  • Provider licensing and oversight: Establishing which practitioners (licensed acupuncturists, MDs, other providers) can bill Medi-Cal and implementing quality/fraud prevention controls

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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