Assembly BillFailedWelfare and Institutions
AB 636: Medi-Cal: diapers.
What AB 636 does, verified February 3, 2026
The bill would add a new section to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal. This program provides health care services to qualified low-income individuals. The new provision would cover diapers as a Medi-Cal benefit for certain individuals, including children over 3 years old with a diagnosed condition that contributes to incontinence, and individuals under 21 with a condition that requires corrective or ameliorative measures. The type and quantity of diapers provided would be limited to what is necessary based on the diagnosed condition and the individual's age. The department would need to obtain federal approvals and an appropriation from the legislature to implement these provisions. The department would also update the Medi-Cal provider manual accordingly.
Bill journey
✓IntroducedComplete
2In CommitteeCurrent
3First Chamber FloorPending
4Second ChamberPending
5GovernorPending
6ChapteredPending
Last action: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. (2026-02-02)Alert me
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| Feb. 02, 2026 | From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. |
| Jan. 31, 2026 | Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution. |
| May. 23, 2025 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| Apr. 23, 2025 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file. |
| Apr. 02, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
Latest bill textAmended version, March 13, 2025 · 471 words
| Amended IN Assembly March 13, 2025 |
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 636
| Introduced by Assembly Member Ortega |
February 13, 2025 |
An act to add Section 14132.33 to the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 636, as amended, Ortega. Medi-Cal: diapers.
Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed by, and funded pursuant to, federal Medicaid program provisions. Under existing law, incontinence medical supplies are covered by the Medi-Cal program.
This bill would establish diapers as a covered Medi-Cal benefit for a child greater than 3 years of age who has been diagnosed with a condition, as specified, that contributes to incontinence, and for an individual under 21 years of age if necessary to correct or ameliorate a condition pursuant to certain federal standards. The bill would limit the provided diapers to an appropriate supply based on the diagnosed condition and the age of the Medi-Cal beneficiary.
The bill would require the department to seek any necessary federal approvals to implement these provisions. The bill would condition implementation of these provisions on receipt of any necessary federal approvals, the availability of federal financial participation, and an appropriation by the Legislature. The bill would require the department to update the Medi-Cal provider manual, as applicable, in the course of implementing these provisions.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 14132.33 is added to the Welfare and Institutions Code, to read:14132.33.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, diapers are a covered Medi-Cal benefit for any child greater than three years of age who has been diagnosed with a physical, mental, neurological, or behavioral health condition that contributes to incontinence.(b) Notwithstanding any other law, diapers are a covered Medi-Cal benefit for individuals under 21 years of age if necessary to correct or ameliorate a condition pursuant to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) standards set forth under subdivision (b) of Section 14059.5 and under Section 1905(r) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396d(r)).
(c) Diapers provided pursuant to this section shall be limited to an appropriate supply based on the diagnosed condition and the age of the Medi-Cal beneficiary.
(d) The department shall seek any necessary federal approvals to implement this section. This section shall be implemented only to the extent that any necessary federal approvals are obtained and that federal financial participation is available and not otherwise jeopardized.
(e) The department shall update the Medi-Cal provider manual, as applicable, in the course of implementing this section.
(e)
(f) Implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature.
Text of AB 636 as amended, from the official record. Connect Plus keeps every version and highlights what changed.Compare versions