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AB-636 • 2026

Medi-Cal: diapers.

Medi-Cal: diapers.

Children Healthcare
Active

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

Sponsor
Ortega
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text states diapers are covered if necessary to 'correct or ameliorate' a condition, which was simplified to 'fix or improve' for readability.

Medi-Cal Coverage for Diapers

This law adds diapers to Medi-Cal benefits for children over age 3 with specific incontinence conditions and people under 21 if needed to fix or improve a condition.

What This Bill Does

  • Adds diapers as a covered benefit for children older than 3 who have been diagnosed with a specified condition that contributes to incontinence.
  • Allows coverage for individuals under 21 years of age if necessary to correct or ameliorate a condition based on federal standards.
  • Limits the number of diapers provided to an appropriate supply based on the person's diagnosed condition and age.
  • Requires the state department to seek any necessary federal approvals before starting this benefit.
  • Updates the Medi-Cal provider manual with new rules for these supplies.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are children over 3 years old or individuals under 21 years old meeting specific medical criteria.
  • The State Department of Health Care Services, which administers the program and must seek federal approvals.

Terms To Know

Medi-Cal
A state health care program for qualified low-income individuals that is partly governed by federal Medicaid rules.
Incontinence medical supplies
Items used to manage the inability to control bladder or bowel movements, which are already covered under existing law.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The benefit only starts if federal approvals and funding become available.
  • The state Legislature must approve spending money for this program before it begins.
  • The exact list of medical conditions that qualify is not detailed in the summary text.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Medi-Cal: diapers.