The Senate Spotlights the New Exchange... California Progress Report
Health AccessAlquist's SB 890 aims to standardize the range of policies that are available to individual consumers so that "apples-to-apples" comparisons could be made. The bill standardize the market, from the current "confusing maze of over 100 products" where consumers have little ability to determine the differences between plans.
"This would be the first step in beginning to implement health care reform," Alquist said. "We need to restructure for Californians the market in which they buy their own insurance." As many as 2.5 million Californians, or 7% of all Californians, shop and pay for their own insurance in the growing individual market, which has been largely unregulated
SB890 received broad support from a range of stakeholders, including Health Access California, Kaiser Permanente, Congress of California Seniors, California Medical Association, California Hospital Association, and many others.
Insurers and brokers raised concerns with both bills. A common refrain was to wait until the federal government issued more clarifying regulations. An ongoing issue spotlighted by the insurers was about any provision that went beyond the federal law.
MiamiHerald.comOn Health Care, a Public Insurance Option Pile-On CampaignMoveOn has taken on Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, for her remarks over the weekend that the votes aren't there yet for the president's plan. And there are rallies planned by several groups for tonight and tomorrow. Deja Vu on Health Care? Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan Myths, Lies and Stupidity About Health Care -
“Every senator should ask themselves how they can help make quality, affordable health care for all a reality. AFSCME agrees with the President that by giving Americans a choice of insurance plans, including a public health insurance option, Feinstein lays out health reform principles MoveOn Targets Democrat Feinstein In California Senator Feinstein, Stop Nay-Saying On Health Reform -
ABC NewsPresident Obama's health-care reforms shaky with Democrats, GOP"The CBO estimates were a death blow to a government-run health-care plan," Sen. Lindsey Graham said on abc's "This Week." Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who is tasked by Obama with getting a bill through the Senate, argued that a public plan is necessary Video: Health Care reform House Unveils Health Bill, Minus Key Details Obama May Lack Votes for Health-Care, Feinstein Says -
InjuryBoard.comKey Democratic Caucuses Demand Competitive Public Health PlanLeaders of four Democratic caucuses representing more than 120 members of Congress said Wednesday that they would vote against any health overhaul legislation that excludes a “robust” government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers. What the healthcare rescission hearings mean for California, and Will: Taking a razor to the president's plan Keep the debate simple
ABC NewsPanel Might Revise Health-Care BillSenator Lindsey Graham, a Republican of South Carolina who appeared on ABC's “This Week,” said estimates on overhauling health care were “a death blow to a government-run health plan.” Dianne Feinstein of California joined Republicans in voicing Health Care's Complicated Path in Congress
