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Stakeholders say AB 32's audio‑only coverage is essential for Medi‑Cal patients
Summary
Policy experts and providers told the committee AB 32's audio‑only flexibilities preserved access for patients without broadband or video capability and remain crucial for older, low‑income, and immigrant patients; witnesses urged maintaining audio‑only options and expanding asynchronous access.
Amy Durbin told the committee that AB 32 "helped add address that need by expanding access to audio only telehealth visits for Medi Cal patients in appropriate circumstances," and that audio‑only remains a vital access point where broadband or device access is limited. Planned Parenthood's Angela Pontes said audio‑only options are especially important for reproductive and time‑sensitive services and that existing Medi‑Cal rules restrict some asynchronous options for new patient relationships.
Panelists urged that audio‑only remain an explicit covered modality and recommended examining private‑payer practices to ensure parity across patient populations. They also called for policy and pilots to broaden asynchronous coverage where clinically appropriate.
