Report Outlines State’s Achievements in Rolling Out Health Reform Law
Although much work remains to implement the federal health reform law, California is continuing to serve as a leader in rolling out the law's provisions, according to a report by Health Access California, the Merced Sun-Star reports.
Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access, released the report to mark the one-year anniversary of the reform law.
Health Reform Implementation in California
According to the report, several provisions of the reform law already have started to take effect in California. The report notes that:
- Hundreds of thousands of workers are employed by small businesses that will receive tax credits to provide coverage to their employees;
- Tens of thousands of young adults out of 200,000 eligible individuals now are covered by their parents' health insurance plans;
- Nearly 1,800 Californians with pre-existing medical conditions now have health insurance coverage (Amaro, Merced Sun-Star, 3/23);
- More than 100 employers have received financial assistance to provide health coverage for early retirees who are too young to qualify for Medicare; and
- California children with pre-existing health conditions now can obtain health coverage.
Pending Legislation
Health Access also highlighted newly proposed state legislation that could strengthen the health reform law in California. The report noted that:
- AB 185, by Assembly member Roger Hernandez (D-West Covina), and SB 155, by Sen. Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), would require insurers to include coverage for maternity services in health plans submitted after Jan. 1, 2012, instead of the 2014 implementation date mandated under the federal reform law;
- SB 51, by Sen. Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), would align state law with a new federal requirement that insurers spend 80% to 85% of premiums on medical care; and
- AB 52, by Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), would authorize state regulators to approve or deny proposed increases in health insurance premiums, copayments or deductibles (Jewett, California Watch, 3/23).
For additional coverage of the anniversary of the reform law's passage, see today's Capitol Desk post.
Broadcast Coverage
On Tuesday, KPCC's "KPCC News" reported on the reform law's one-year anniversary (Moore, "KPCC News," KPCC, 3/22).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.