Sen. Dodd Lauds Health Trailer Bill Passage

Thursday, July 15, 2021

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today lauded the Legislature’s passage of its omnibus health bill, which invests in major new initiatives including his proposal to ensure low-income people with disabilities have access to rehabilitative services and equipment such as specially fitted wheelchairs.

“We must do all we can to ensure people with disabilities get the specialized equipment they need that allows them to live their lives to the fullest,” Sen. Dodd said. “Also, we must ensure this vulnerable population has access to a network of qualified providers. With today’s passage of the health trailer bill, we are doing that, achieving a level of dignity people deserve. I thank my colleagues for seeing the value in the proposal.”

Assembly Bill 133 passed the Senate and Assembly and will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature. It contains bold new policy addressing a number of health issues, including provisions previously introduced by Sen. Dodd to help patients with significant disabilities such as ALS or spinal injuries get better access to complex rehabilitative technology. It also contains his proposal to restore reimbursement rates for these providers.

Sen. Dodd’s proposal is sponsored by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology. Numerous supporters include the California Children’s Hospital Association, Disability Rights California, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, and the California Association of Medical Product Suppliers.

“We are extremely thankful to see Sen. Dodd’s language included in the health trailer bill that was passed today,” said Don Clayback, executive director of National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology. “This action will help children and adults with disabilities across California receive important access to the specialized complex rehab technology and services they depend on.  We thank him for his consistent leadership this session and for championing this provision on behalf of Californians with complex medical needs.”

“The complex wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment impacted by this legislation are critical to the health and independence of people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities,” said Rick Hayden, executive director of Spinal Network. “The improved safeguards and funding will have positive impacts on people's ability to get the proper technology and access the needed supporting services.  Thanks to Sen. Dodd and his colleagues in the Legislature for taking this important action.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.