AB-2571 Reimbursement for pharmacist services
Oct 4, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0079 · Published 2026-10-04 · Version 2 · Proposed
Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2571 on September 27, ending its proposed pharmacist reimbursement expansion.
What happened
Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2571 on September 27. The enrolled September 1 proposal would have set reimbursement for advanced pharmacist practitioner services at no less than 85 percent of the physician fee schedule, including medication therapy management services, and addressed recognition at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics for Medi-Cal reimbursement subject to federal conditions. It also would have expanded commercial reimbursement language to pharmacists enrolled as providers and to similar services covered when performed by other professionals, while preserving lawful scope and the prohibition on duplicate reimbursement. Those proposed changes were not enacted through AB 2571.
The signed veto message cites millions of dollars in ongoing annual FQHC reimbursement costs and one-time system costs that were not included in the budget. The Governor acknowledged the objective of improved access, particularly at FQHCs and rural health clinics, but declined to sign because of the fiscal implications. As of October 4, the closed proposal does not establish a new 85-percent payment floor or new provider-recognition authority. Existing Medi-Cal pharmacist benefits and commercial reimbursement rules must be evaluated independently, including their eligibility, enrollment and coverage conditions.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Proposed
- Applicability
- Potentially applicable
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- California
- Affected functions
- Managed Care, Revenue Cycle, Finance, Provider Enrollment, Compliance
- Responsible owner
- Managed Care
Why it matters
The veto prevents implementation of this proposed expansion while leaving current pharmacist reimbursement and enrollment requirements in place.
Recommended action
Close implementation tied solely to AB 2571. Apply existing pharmacist benefit, enrollment and reimbursement rules and evaluate any later proposal separately.
Sources
- AB-2571 Reimbursement for pharmacist services, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-04 · Source review 2026-09-10
- AB-2571 Reimbursement for pharmacist services, current bill text (09/01/26 - Enrolled)Official · California Legislature · 2026-09-01 · Source review 2026-09-10
- Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.27.2026Official · Office of the Governor · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-04
- California Legislative Information, AB 2571 bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-04
- Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · 2026-09-01 · Source review 2026-10-16
- Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · 2026-09-27 · Source review 2026-10-16
Complete edition and supplemental material
This finding in the complete approved report →Regulatory horizons, CIA trends and implementation trackers remain in the full report.
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