Governor’s Plan Could Require Employer Contributions

As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and his administration draft a health care reform proposal, officials say the governor is considering all options, including employer mandates, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Although Schwarzenegger in 2004 opposed a state law (SB 2) that would mandate large employer-sponsored health coverage, administration officials say that the governor is not fully opposed to requiring employers to help pay to cover the state's more than 6 million uninsured residents (Rojas, Sacramento Bee, 12/3).

Schwarzenegger on Nov. 26 said that his second-term goals for health care reform include reducing health care costs and extending coverage to all uninsured California residents (California Healthline, 11/27).

Kim Belshé, secretary of Health and Human Services Agency, said that the governor is "open to the principle of shared responsibility," including government, individuals, employers, health plans and providers.

Business groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce, are opposed to employer mandates.

Schwarzenegger in January 2007 is expected to unveil his health care reform plans during his State of the State address (Rojas, Sacramento Bee, 12/3).