Disability Rights California (DRC) applauds recent federal agency rules and actions which greatly improve health access and discrimination protections for disabled Americans.

A sweeping rule issued on May 1st by the U.S. Health and Human Services agency strengthens civil rights protections, addresses discrimination in medical treatment and equipment and ensures accessible web content and mobile apps. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also released their Final Rule Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services on April 22nd. This rule improves access to Medi-Cal and Home and Community Based Services by increasing accountability, standardizing data and monitoring, and creating opportunities for beneficiary engagement in Medi-Cal programs with the goal of improving holistic access to care.

“This suite of sweeping protections actualized by the Biden Administration are decades in the making. They strengthen and clarify rights of disabled Americans,” said Andrew Imparato, Executive Director of Disability Rights California. “Disabled patients will no longer encounter inaccessible medical equipment and there will be more accountability in Medi-Cal programs. We look forward to continued work with President Biden, Secretary Becerra, their colleagues in the Biden Administration and state officials to ensure these federal rules are well implemented in California.” 

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of drc is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.