Posted by
Doc Carlos on Sunday, September 02, 2007 11:35:09 PM
California’s Healthcare reform
Just as other states (Hawaii, Oregon, and Massachusetts) attempts at healthcare reform, California’s proposals have focused on universal coverage as the major step to improve health. The idea is, better access means better health. This has been shown to be true in multiple health surveys (Kaiser foundation ). Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan has employers paying most of the costs but taxes doctors and hospitals to pay for the plan. According to Calhealthreform.org here is a summary of the two major plans that may be passed:
“Governor Schwarzenegger's Plan
Creates an individual mandate, employers must "pay or play," expands eligibility for public programs, and subsidizes coverage for low-income Californians. (Not a bill.)”
“AB 8 (Núñez) Bill
Employers must "pay or play," and workers whose firms pay a fee instead of covering health expenses must enroll in a new purchasing program. Expands eligibility for public programs and reforms the private insurance market. (In Senate Appropriations Committee, 7/17/07.)”
This year’s California’s health reform package is similar to a plan rejected by the public in 2004. The difference is that the 2007 plan allows employers more options for employers to pay for their employees’ health costs. Also more uninsured persons (4.1) are covered in the 2007 plan and this includes 75 % of uninsured Californians. This plan is very similar to Massachusetts ‘s plan that passed in 2006. However California has many more ininsured persons and many more low wage workers than Massachusetts .
Carlos Herrera MD, MPH
References
http://www.townhall.com/news/health/2007/08/29/schwarzenegger_tries_to_save_health_plan
http://www.kff.org/uninsured/
http://www.calhealthreform.org/