Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
May 23, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 2066, landmark legislation authored by Assistant Speaker pro Tempore Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities. With strong bipartisan support, this bill aims to close a critical gap in maternal health by allowing pregnant individuals to enroll in or change their health benefit plans outside of standard enrollment periods. Timely access to prenatal care is vital in reducing the risk of pregnancy complications and early detection of health issues.
Under existing law, individuals can make changes to their health benefit plans when they experience specific qualifying life events. Examples of qualifying life events include a person or dependent losing essential coverage, a person gaining or becoming a dependent, or an individual gaining access to a new health benefit plan due to a permanent move. With AB 2066, California will join other states in recognizing that pregnancy is a qualifying life event.
“Delays in timely access to prenatal care can lead to preventable conditions for mothers and children. At a time when maternal mortality is up to 4 times higher for Black mothers than other groups, and the gap in pregnancy-related deaths between people with Medi-Cal and those with private insurance is widening, we cannot delay putting women’s health and safety front and center,” said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez. “AB 2066 focuses on closing a consequential gap in enrollment policy. The decision to have a child is life-changing, and access to timely and affordable medical care is essential. Right now, our system does not recognize that– it is time for change.”
“I’ve watched patients delay care because coverage didn’t start soon enough. Pregnancy is a life-changing event, and our policies should reflect that. That is why the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals is proud to sponsor AB 2066,” said Elizabeth Hawkins, RN, Executive Officer, UNAC/UHCP.
A research collaboration between Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) found that “addressing inequities in maternal health is critical to addressing the broader maternal mortality and maternal health crisis,” as the U.S. healthcare system is marked by significant disparities for Black and Hispanic women. The California Equity in Maternal Health Report found that one in four Black women and Latinas (26%) struggle to access obstetric and gynecological care, and nearly one in three (32%) report difficulty accessing routine healthcare providers. The United States continues to have one of the highest rates of pregnancy-related mortality among developed nations. AB 2066 offers a critical opportunity for birthing people to assess their needs and secure adequate care for themselves and their families. According to the California Department of Public Health, healthy pregnancies are linked to better infant and childhood outcomes, including lower rates of asthma, developmental delays, chronic disease, and preventable hospitalizations. Children born healthier are less likely to rely on costly public healthcare interventions later in life.
AB 2066 was a highlighted measure in Assemblywoman Rodriguez’s recently released Mom’s Agenda and is informed by health data, best practices in other states, and her own personal experience giving birth to her daughter earlier this year. This bill will next be considered in the Senate Health Committee in the coming weeks. You can follow Assemblywoman Rodriguez’s legislation here.
Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, and North Hills.
For more information, follow Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez at the following channels:
Instagram: @asmcelesterodriguez
Website: a43.asmdc.org
Source: Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez