SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) today announced that her health care reform package (AB 834, AB 1226, AB 1288, and AB 1328) passed both houses of the state legislature and have been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.  These bills increase access to health care, extend coverage, and improve the number of doctors serving low-income families through the Medi-Cal program. 

“More children in California will have access to preventative dental care due to AB 834,” stated Hayashi.  “Those eligible will receive protective sealants as a preventative approach against cavities and other chronic oral health diseases.  Ultimately, this bill will improve our kids’ health and increase educational outcomes as dental problems account for over 500,000 school absences each year.”  AB 834 was co-sponsored by the California Dental Association.

AB 1226 authored by Assemblymember Hayashi vastly improves application efficiencies for doctors who serve as Medi-Cal providers.  Currently, the application process for doctors who participate in the program is lengthy and cumbersome resulting in many doctors electing not to renew.  This bill will shorten the application process.  Patients should notice an increase in the number of doctors available to them over the coming months.  AB 1226 was co-sponsored by the California Medical Association.

“AB 1288 is the best of both worlds,” explained Hayashi.  “County retirees will have the ability to receive improved vision care and at the same time have their premiums cut in half.  AB 1288 authorizes county retirement systems to pool membership in order to negotiate better contracts with providers.”  AB 1288 was co-sponsored by the California State Association of Counties.

AB 1328 grants access for expected mothers and infants by eliminating the unconstitutional six-month residency requirement from the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program.  This bill corrects the statute and ensures access to health care coverage for those most in need.  AB 1328 was co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

Hayashi serves the 18th Assembly District, which includes San Leandro, Hayward, Dublin, most of Castro Valley and Pleasanton, and a portion of Oakland, as well as the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Cherryland and San Lorenzo.