Assemblymember Connolly Introduces Legislation that Expands Health Care Access Through Medi-Cal Reform

AB 2457 will improve access to Medi-Cal by created a streamlined credentialing process for physicians

• Isabella Jimenez
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA. - Today, Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) introduced Assembly Bill 2457 that will ensure Medi-Cal patients, among California's most vulnerable residents, receive quicker access to care. The bill, sponsored by the Physician Association of California (PAC), will streamline physician credentialing and require all Medi-Cal managed care plans to use that same credentialing form and process.

"Every Californian deserves speedy access to good-quality health care," said Assemblymember Connolly. "I am proud to introduce AB 2457, alongside the Physician Association of California, which removes administrative burdens to delivering vital care to underserved Californians in rural and low-income areas."

Currently, physicians face months-long delays to their credentialing process due to inconsistent and duplicative requirements across plans. The inconsistency in the credentialing process causes delays in hiring, leaving patients waiting long periods for appointments and critical treatment.

Before a physician can see patients under a Medi-Cal managed care plan, the plan must first approve the provider's credentialing application. This process verifies the physician's education, training, and professional history to ensure they meet the plan's standards. Medi-Cal plans use the credentialing process to decide whether to include a doctor in their network, which allows the doctor to be reimbursed for treating patients covered by that insurance.

"AB 2457 extends our recent gains in health care access to Californians in all communities," said Matthew Robinson, CEO of PAC, sponsor of AB 2457. "This bill will eliminate unnecessary delays and burdens for physicians - particularly independent physicians who provide unique, patient-centered care - enabling them to care for more patients throughout California."

Credentialing delays are especially harmful to independent and small-practice physicians who lack the administrative resources of large health systems and physician groups. These barriers leave smaller clinics short-staffed and force patients to wait longer for treatment, often in rural, underserved areas of the state. The use of one standardized credentialing form and process will increase access to care across California by allowing physicians to join health plan networks faster and with less paperwork.
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Assemblymember Connolly represents the entirety of Marin County and Southern Sonoma