Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and The National Health Law Program Deeply Disappointed by Governor Newsom’s Refusal to Expand Access to Asynchronous Telehealth to Nearly 15 Million Medi-Cal Patients

September 23, 2024

Shelby McMichael, Communications Manager

SACRAMENTO, CA – Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the National Health Law Program are deeply disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 2339, authored by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry. AB 2339 would have enabled the nearly 15 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal programs to establish care with a provider asynchronously in order to access timely, sensitive services, such as birth control, emergency contraception, medication abortion, and STI or UTI treatment. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, the use of telehealth services to access reproductive health care has increased significantly. Asynchronous, patient-initiated telehealth has proven to be an important tool to alleviate barriers associated with in-person and real-time health care, particularly for patients who rely on Medi-Cal and are more likely to struggle to take time away from work or their families to access care.

While the Newsom Administration has led in the expansion of coverage for Medi-Cal patients, including services delivered via telehealth, inequities persist between the telehealth options available to Medi-Cal patients versus commercially insured patients. By continuing to allocate benefits differently for Medi-Cal patients, low-income Californians, many of whom are people of color, are disproportionately burdened. Full access for all patients to the varied telehealth modalities is critical to reducing barriers to care and creating a more equitable health care system in California. 

“While Planned Parenthood health centers in California have been offering affordable asynchronous telehealth services for several years, we know the playing field is still not level for Medi-Cal patients and that they continue to be denied equitable access to care,” said Jodi Hicks, PPAC President and CEO. “Despite the Governor’s decision to veto this critical piece of legislation, we are committed to delivering on the promise of a true reproductive freedom state by continuing to advocate for all patients— regardless of the insurance card they carry— and their right to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care, including the flexibility and choice to seek care how and when they need it.”

“Comprehensive insurance coverage of all telehealth modalities is crucial to facilitate equitable access to sexual and reproductive health care. Asynchronous telehealth can reduce acute access barriers associated with synchronous care, including privacy concerns, scheduling constraints, and technological barriers,” said Cat Duffy, Policy Analyst, The National Health Law Program. “The National Health Law Program firmly believes that Medi-Cal enrollees should be able to choose their preferred modality for accessing care— and we trust patients to make their own decisions. Along with our partners, we will continue to advocate for policies that meet the health care needs of all Californians, including those enrolled in Medi-Cal.”

“For many of our patients, asynchronous telehealth services may be the only viable option for accessing timely reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood Direct— a phone application where patients can asynchronously access services like birth control, emergency contraception, and UTI treatment— allows us as providers to deliver the same high standard of care as in-person and synchronous telemedicine visits,” said Dr. Janet Jacobson, Medical Director of Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties. “While PP Direct remains accessible to Planned Parenthood patients who have commercial insurance or are able to pay out of pocket, this veto further exacerbates disparities in California’s health care system by restricting Medi-Cal patients’ access to safe and convenient care.”

Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the National Health Law Program will continue to advocate for Medi-Cal patients and their equitable access to care. The organizations are grateful to Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry for her authorship of AB 2339 and ongoing commitment to protecting and expanding access to health care for all Californians. We look forward to working with the Legislature next legislative session to ensure state policy reflects the needs of Californians on Medi-Cal and further reduces health care disparities in California. 

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