03/24/2026
Expanding access to quality lactation support is a key principle of my work with Nourishing Justly and as President of the Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition. It’s why I spend hours on insurance issues and accept a sliding scale for folks utilizing Medi-Cal. Currently, IBCLCs cannot be enrolled directly as Medi-Cal providers and reimbursed. This limits access to care for those who need it.
Assembly Bill 2160 (Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez) will help
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to enroll as Medi-Cal providers and bill for services directly
• Remove the need for prior authorization or referrals for lactation services
• “Require the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to issue clear billing and reimbursement guidance, ensuring managed care plans fulfill their responsibility to cover these essential services.” ().
Learn how you can support this bill via a letter or in person at the Capitol:
https://calwic.org/breastfeeding-policy/support-ab-2160-strengthening-breastfeeding-support-for-california-families