In an interview with California Healthline, Joe Dunn, CEO of the California Medical Association, said health care reform proposals in the Legislature could lead to “a successful conclusion” that stakeholders are “willing to accept and to support” (Rebillot, California Healthline, 1/30).
Under a plan by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), Medi-Cal and Healthy Families would be expanded to help provide coverage to low- and moderate-income state residents. Individuals who declined to carry insurance could face a reduction in state income tax refunds or have wages withheld (California Healthline, 1/26).
Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata (D-Oakland) and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez (D-Los Angeles) also have offered health care proposals (California Healthline, 1/23).
Dunn said CMA opposes the governor’s proposal for contributions from physicians. He said that the provision is “not drafted well, it’s not the right place to go,” and raised the possibility of re-evaluating health insurers’ role in the health care system (California Healthline, 1/30).
The complete audio of the interview is available online for download in mp3 format.
E-mail editor@chcf.org with comments or questions about California Healthline special audio reports.