CA AB1696

Adds tobacco cessation services as covered benefits under Medi-Cal, subject to utilization controls, contingent on federal financial participation and approvals.

Requires coverage of all intervention recommendations assigned grade A or B by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, with no required break between quit attempts for beneficiaries 18 and older.

Mandates at least 4 counseling sessions per quit attempt (in-person, telephone, individual, or group) and coverage of FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications for adults 18 and older.

Allows beneficiaries to use prescription documentation and proof of Medi-Cal coverage to fill over-the-counter tobacco cessation medications without additional authorization.

For beneficiaries under 18, requires services consistent with American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures guidelines and USPSTF grade A and B recommendations; effective January 1, 2017.