In a recent government meeting, California lawmakers discussed two significant bills aimed at enhancing access to critical health services for low-income residents.

The first bill, SB 1131, seeks to reform the Family Planning Access Care and Treatment (Family PACT) program, which has provided free family planning services, including contraception and STI testing, since 1997. Currently, only physicians, certified midwives, or certified nurse practitioners can certify clinics to offer these services. SB 1131 proposes to broaden this certification to include any clinician overseeing Family PACT services, thereby addressing the ongoing healthcare workforce shortage. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provide virtual training for certifiers on a monthly basis. Supporters, including representatives from Planned Parenthood, emphasized the importance of these changes in maintaining access to timely family planning services and reducing healthcare disparities.

The second bill, SB 1213, presented by Senator Durazo on behalf of Senator Atkins, aims to expand access to breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment for low-income Californians. This legislation proposes raising the income eligibility threshold for the Every Woman Counts program from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing more women to access essential screenings and treatments. Advocates from organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Foundation highlighted the critical need for these services, noting that many women currently forgo screenings due to financial constraints. By increasing eligibility, the bill aims to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses and improve survival rates among underserved populations.

Both bills reflect California's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and addressing disparities faced by low-income individuals, particularly in reproductive and cancer care. The committee members expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing their potential to save lives and improve health outcomes across the state.