Assembly passes massive health care reform plan

MediaNews via Contra Costa Times ^ | 12/17/7 | Mike Zapler

[SmithL]

SACRAMENTO - The state Assembly this afternoon approved a sweeping health care reform plan that would extend health insurance to more than two-thirds of the state's uninsured and create new protections for people anxious about keeping their coverage because of a pre-existing health condition.

The plan, which faces uncertain prospects in the Senate and then must be approved by voters before taking effect, would create a new requirement that individuals carry insurance or potentially be fined. Employers would have to offer coverage or pay a percentage of revenues into a state health pool.

The proposal would also impose taxes on hospitals and cigarettes, and draw billions of dollars from the federal government. Altogether it aims to cover more than 70 percent of the roughly 6.6 million Californians uninsured for all or part of the year.

"This is truly an historic effort," said Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, who spent months negotiating the proposal with Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But as ambitious as the plan is, it may not make it farther than today's 45-31 party-line vote. Senate Democratic leader Don Perata is refusing to bring the measure to a vote until more is known about how it would affect the state's already-grim finances.

California faces a deficit of as much as $14 billion, and Perata says it would be a mistake to create a new health care program with existing health programs potentially on the chopping block.

[sourcery]

California faces a deficit of as much as $14 billion, and Perata says it would be a mistake to create a new health care program with existing health programs potentially on the chopping block.

Ya think?

[NormsRevenge]

California health care reform plan at a glance
AP

http://www.bakersfield.com/119/story/313467.html

Highlights of the $14.4 billion Health Care Security and Cost Reduction Act, passed Monday by the state Assembly and sent to the Senate. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger supports the bill:

- Requires most Californians to have health coverage and creates a state purchasing pool that lawmakers say will provide affordable policies.

- Guarantees that no residents will be denied health insurance based on their age or medical history.

- Limits the amount Californians will contribute toward the cost of their premiums based on their income; provides tax credits and subsidies for individuals, families and early retirees.

- Allows people to apply for an exemption from the individual insurance mandate if they claim that buying a health policy would be a financial hardship.

- Does not change health coverage for those who currently have insurance and want to keep it.

- Increases Medi-Cal reimbursements to doctors and hospitals.

- Requires health plans and insurers to offer benefits packages rewarding those who meet certain health goals as a way to combat obesity, diabetes and other conditions.

- Will be funded with $4.5 billion from the federal government; $2.5 billion from employer contributions; $2.3 billion from a 4 percent fee assessed on hospitals; $2.1 billion from individuals; $1.5 billion from county and other funds; $1.5 billion from a tobacco tax increase of $1.50 to $2 per pack.

[Pining_4_TX]

Well, here we go. Government waves its magic wand and makes all our problems disappear. It’s so easy.

[backtothestreets]

"Senate Democratic leader Don Perata is refusing to bring the measure to a vote until more is known about how it would affect the state's already-grim finances."

Let's see:

The plan would add a new $1.50 to $2.00 tax on cigarettes that would have more people quitting cigarettes, which in turn would create a loss of funding, which in turn would make the state borrow more.

Impose a new tax on hospitals, which coincidentally are filing bankruptcy at a new high rate in the state.

Impose a new payroll tax on employers amid a heavily regulated and taxed business climate that has businesses seeking ways to relocate to other states or move their operations out of the country all together.

A state budget crisis that grows at least $2 billion dollars a month.

How might the plan affect the "state's already-grim finances". Gee, I wonder?

[backtothestreets]

"Will be funded with $4.5 billion from the federal government"

We should extend our thanks to the citizens of the other 49 states for their very gracious participation in California socialized medicine. Don't worry. The federal government will borrow the money from China. Your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids can repay it. What's to worry about?

[Myrddin]

You can keep your current health care coverage and premiums, but you will also be subsidizing a bunch of other people via higher taxes. Another brilliant leap toward socialism by the California legislature. Again, I thrilled to be watching this from Idaho. The snow falling outside my window is a pleasant scene as I sit by a warm fire.

[TASMANIANRED]

In hock up to their eye balls and then want to spend more.

[Syntyr]

What loones!!!

Pretty soon California is going to be just like any other Mexico resort town. Wealthy tourists being waited on by everyone else working service oriented jobs...

[goldstategop]

The CAGOP voted NO to the ArnoldCare boondoggle. I think its safe to say it won't make out of the State Senate this year.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

Don Perata is as liberal as they come. But he knows there is no money to pay for it and new taxes are not a winning point with the voters. Color this statist monster of a health care plan DOA - as it should be.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[DoughtyOne]

There is a CAGOP? Could have fooled me!

[socialismisinsidious]

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