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AB 2036

Medi-Cal: federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darsh Patel

AB 2036 modifies California Medi-Cal provisions affecting federally qualified and rural health clinics, though specific changes remain pending committee review and analysis.

From printer. May be heard in committee March 20.
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Bill Summary · AB 2036

Legislative bill overview

AB 2036 proposes modifications to California's Medi-Cal program regarding federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs). The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Darsh Patel, is currently in early legislative stages and has not yet been assigned to committee for substantive review.

Why is this important

FQHCs and RHCs serve as critical access points for healthcare in underserved and rural communities, often serving low-income and uninsured populations. Changes to Medi-Cal reimbursement, eligibility, or operational requirements for these facilities could significantly affect healthcare delivery capacity in California's rural regions and vulnerable populations' access to primary care services.

Potential points of contention

  • Reimbursement rates: Any changes to how much Medi-Cal reimburses FQHCs/RHCs could either strain rural providers' financial viability or increase state costs
  • Rural vs. urban equity: Modifications may create disparities in how services are funded or accessed between rural and urban healthcare settings
  • Implementation burden: New requirements could impose administrative or operational challenges on smaller healthcare facilities with limited resources
  • Federal compliance: Changes must align with federal FQHC/RHC regulations, potentially limiting California's policy flexibility

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

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