Health Access Follow-up to Working Families Policy Summit

An update from Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access:

Since the presentation at the Working Families Policy Summit, Health Access has come out in support of a number of pieces of legislation that are important for health care consumers and has also sponsored three bills aimed at preventing underinsurance and medical debt. The bills Health Access is sponsoring are:

• AB 786 (Jones), which would reform the individual insurance market by limiting junk insurance and setting standards for coverage that will allow consumers to make apples-to-apples comparisons when purchasing insurance on their own;

• AB 1503 (Lieu), which would ensure fair pricing for emergency medical services by preventing emergency room physicians from overcharging low- and moderate-income uninsured patients, and providing them other consumer protections.

• AB 1521 (Jones), which would reform how health insurance brokers are compensated, by prohibiting compensation variation based on health status, limiting compensation from churning, and requiring disclosure of compensation; and

Health Access has been actively following the ongoing state budget debate and pointing out the implications for health care. Specifically, Health Access is concerned about the impact of the May 19^th ballot propositions on health care, and specifically Proposition 1A, which would impose a state spending cap and force cuts to important health care programs. Health Access has taken a lead role in the No on Prop. 1A coalition and working with others in the health and human services community and others to oppose Prop. 1A in preparation for the May 19^th ballot.

In partnership with California ACORN, the California Partnership and other organizations, Health Access is leading the state campaign of Health Care for America Now! (HCAN) to win a guarantee of quality, affordable health care for all in Congress and under President Obama. This work includes making sure that the budget includes an investment in health reform, ensuring that California Congressional members hear the voices and health care needs of Californians, and that we don’t lose the important opportunity and political momentum to achieve meaningful health reform.

For further information on our policy work and our weblog updated daily, please visit www.health-access.org.