Health Insurance
Assembly member Mervyn Dymally (D-Compton) amended his bill (AB 53) that seeks to declare the intent of the Legislature to provide universal health care coverage to all residents, regardless of age, income, employment or health status (Bill text, 3/27).
AB 799 by Assembly member Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) would state the intent of the Legislature to provide incentives to improve health and wellness. The legislation also would allow health care plans and insurers greater flexibility in the small group market (Bill text, 3/26).
AB 1378 by Assembly member Alan Nakanishi (R-Lodi) would extend until July 2008 the duration of the Major Risk Medical Insurance Fund, a state pilot program that requires health insurers to offer a standard benefit plan. The program is set to expire at the end of 2007 (Bill text, 3/27).
A bill (SB 51) by Sen. Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego) would require the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board to contract with San Diegans for Healthcare Coverage, a private not-for-profit corporation, to assist employers in San Diego County with providing health care coverage to full-time employees (Bill text, 3/27).