California Legislature Approves Elements of Health Care Overhaul

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is considering health care reform legislation, including some bills that are similar to elements of his health care reform proposal that a state Senate committee rejected earlier this year, according to KQED's "The California Report."

The measures do not directly address the uninsured but instead focus on boosting protections for consumers with health insurance coverage. Bills specifically address issues such as health insurance policy rescissions and so-called "balance billing."

In addition, California lawmakers once again approved a measure that would create a state-run, single-payer health care system, but the governor's aides said that he would veto the measure.

The segment includes comments from:

• Peter Harbage, a health care consultant involved in preparing Schwarzenegger's health care reform proposal;
• Larry Levitt of the Kaiser Family Foundation;
• Chris Ohman of the California Association of Health Plans; and
• Daniel Zingale, senior adviser to Schwarzenegger (Varney, "The California Report," KQED, 9/8).