Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee advances AB 50 to let Medi‑Cal cover FDA‑approved over‑the‑counter birth control without a prescription
Summary
AB 50 would let pharmacists furnish over‑the‑counter hormonal contraceptives using Medi‑Cal without current protocol and prescription barriers; supporters argued it will expand access and equity, opponents did not register formal opposition in committee.
Assemblymember Rob Bonta presented AB 50 to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee as a measure to allow pharmacists to furnish over‑the‑counter hormonal contraceptives and enable Medi‑Cal coverage without the current prescription requirement.
Bonta told the panel that although FDA has approved some contraceptives for OTC use, Medi‑Cal still requires a prescription, creating "unnecessary barriers" for low‑income individuals and people without regular providers. "Prescription requirements cause delays, add…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
