AB 2160 Update: We Need Your Voice & Here’s How To Help
AB 2160, which would improve access to lactation services for Medi-Cal families, heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 3rd. Committee members need to hear from the public before they vote and every call and letter makes a difference.
A Reminder of What AB 2160 Would Do
Despite existing coverage under Medi-Cal, many families run into unnecessary administrative barriers when seeking lactation support confusion about plan responsibilities, provider expertise, and provider availability can delay or prevent care, especially for families who already face disproportionate health challenges.
AB 2160 takes practical steps to close those gaps. It would:
- Clarify standard billing and reimbursement procedures for lactation services, including appropriate billing codes
- Clearly define Medi-Cal managed care plans’ responsibility to cover and reimburse lactation services
- Ensure Medi-Cal members who self-identify a need for lactation support can access it — no prior authorization, prescription, or referral required
- Improve statewide consistency and transparency around access to lactation services
Recent amendments also require Medi-Cal managed care plans to report how many IBCLCs are accessible in their provider networks giving the state real data to identify gaps in access and close them. And before any new guidance goes out, the bill requires input from providers, advocates, and families, so the people doing this work help shape how it’s implemented.
Two Ways to Take Action
1. Call the Senate Appropriations Committee
A quick call urging a YES vote on AB 2160 goes a long way. Here’s who to call:
- Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, Chair — (916) 651-4031
- Sen. Kelly Seyarto, Vice Chair — (916) 651-4032
- Sen. Christopher Cabaldon — (916) 651-4003
- Sen. Megan Dahle — (916) 651-4001
- Sen. Tim Grayson — (916) 651-4009
- Sen. Laura Richardson — (916) 651-4035
- Sen. Aisha Wahab — (916) 651-4410
When you call, be sure to cover:
- Your name and where you’re calling from
- That you’re urging the Senator to support AB 2160
- That AB 2160 improves lactation access for Medi-Cal families
- That timely lactation support improves health outcomes for parents and babies
2. Submit a Letter of Support
If your organization can put its name behind AB 2160, a formal letter to Chair Cervantes carries real weight. We’ve put together a template you can copy, personalize, and submit.
Once you’ve customized it, submit it through the California Advocates portal.