CASP California Members Only Webinar

Representing the interests of pharmaceutical manufacturers, benefit managers, and healthcare providers, her work has ensured that Californians can access the professional services and medications they need to improve their quality of life.

Specific to autism, Ms. Cortez has worked extensively on the following:

• Insurance Coverage Mandate– Worked on groundbreaking legislation requiring commercial health plans to cover behavioral health treatment for children with autism.
• Medi-Cal – Worked to ensure low-income children with autism on Medi-Cal have access to the same behavioral health treatment as those with private insurance.
• Provider Credentials – Led the effort to require health plans to credential mental healthcare providers within 60 days.
• Telehealth – Worked to ensure ABA services could be delivered via telehealth during the pandemic.
• Mental Health Parity – Supported efforts to strengthen California’s mental health laws and worked to include language in statute to support clinical guidelines.

In addition to the Legislature and Administration, Ms. Cortez works closely with state agencies such as the Department of Healthcare Services, Department of Public Health, Department of Managed Healthcare, and Department of Insurance. 

During her tenure, she has also worked to advance California’s energy and climate goals, the development of renewable energy, and the economic opportunities of a green economy.

Ms. Cortez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Journalism from the California State University at Sacramento.