California Struggles Towards ChangeJuly 2007
A study released this week by UCLA finds that
small business health insurance is still on the decline in California, despite a strong economy and the overwhelming support of public opinion for healthcare reform and greater access to California health insurance for all residents.
And since 84% of those uninsured have families, there has also been a new surge in the enrollment of children in public healthcare programs like Healthy Families and Medi-Cal. The result is a potential increase in healthcare costs, as the state subsidized system struggles to protect the health of so many uninsured children.
The drop in small business health insurance has been attributed almost entirely to "out of control costs," and Governor Schwarzenegger was on hand at the release of the study's findings to point out that "we need comprehensive health care reform" in order to make California health insurance available to all residents.
But with 8 out of 10 of the state's uninsured employed, and costs still well out of reach, what is the solution?
Governor Schwarzenegger has offered a plan that would make individual
California health insurance mandatory for all state citizens. He has also suggested that those healthier Californians, those who maintain a healthy weight and keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels down, might be offered vouchers to minimize their costs.
Facts on:
Small Business Health Insurance
Did you know...
84% of uninsured citizens have families?
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Alongside subsidies for those who can't afford coverage, and newer plans tailored to save consumers money, Schwarzenegger hopes to save employers from the incredibly high costs of small business health insurance while at the same time making coverage more available on an individual level.
Will it work? No one knows just yet, but as coverage continues to drop, it's clear that drastic measures are needed to protect the health and well-being of hard-working Californians.
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