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AB-2036 • 2026

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

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

Healthcare
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Patel
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Health
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text describes the changes as 'technical' and 'nonsubstantive,' which limits how much this bill actually alters existing payment structures beyond adding a new option.

Medi-Cal Payment Rules for Health Centers

This law allows certain health centers with multiple payment rates to choose one single rate that applies to all their services.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes technical, nonsubstantive changes to current rules about how health center payments are calculated.
  • Allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that have more than one payment rate to pick a new option.
  • Lets these clinics combine their different rates into just one single rate for all visits.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in California
  • Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) in California

Terms To Know

Medi-Cal
The state program that gives health care to qualified low-income individuals.
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
A type of clinic whose services are covered Medi-Cal benefits under existing law.
Rural Health Clinic (RHC)
A medical facility whose services are reimbursed on a per-visit basis by the state.
Prospective Payment System (PPS) rate
The specific amount of money paid for each patient visit before it happens.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This bill only changes how clinics can choose their payment rates; it does not change who qualifies for Medi-Cal.
  • Clinics are allowed to use one rate, but they do not have to if they prefer keeping multiple rates.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Health

Official Summary Text

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