Governor unveils major health insurance reform
By: EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer | ∞
NORTH COUNTY -- Although many praised Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts to take the lead on health care reform, business groups, health advocates and some Republican lawmakers criticized aspects of a sweeping plan announced Monday that would require all Californians to have health insurance and would extend coverage to more low-income children, including those who are in the country illegally.
The state has about 6.5 million uninsured residents.
The plan asks government, businesses, individuals, insurance companies, hospitals and doctors to share in the cost of coverage for the uninsured. But it also provides incentives, such as exemptions for smaller businesses, subsidies for individuals and more money for doctors and hospitals.
"Prices for health care and insurance are rising twice as fast as inflation, twice as fast as wages," the governor said in a broadcast announcing the plan. "That is a terrible drain on everyone and it is a drain on our economy. My solution is that everyone in California must have insurance. If you can't afford it, the state will help you buy it, but everyone must be insured."
Under the plan, individuals would be required to carry health insurance, but many of the state's poorest people would be covered under Medi-Cal, the state's Healthy Families Program or a state health insurance pool.
The state would subsidize the estimated 1.2 million low-income people who do not currently qualify for coverage under Medi-Cal. They would be able to buy insurance through a state-run pool and will have to make a small contribution toward their premiums.
All uninsured children whose families earn less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level -- or up to $60,000 for a family of four -- would be eligible for state subsidized coverage programs. The plan would include children in the country illegally.
Another proposal in the governor's plan would require all businesses with 10 or more workers to offer insurance or pay 4 percent of their payrolls into a state fund that would provide insurance for them.
Some business groups said the proposal could hurt small businesses and drive others out of the state.
"Everyone is saying the devil is in the details, but there are a few inherent concerns. ...One is that small businesses don't pay more than their fair share," said Jim Conran, a spokesman for the California Small Business Health Coalition, which opposes state requirements forcing small businesses to provide health coverage.
Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines said in a statement that he opposed requiring businesses to pay taxes in lieu of providing health insurance.
"Imposing a new jobs tax on employers of any size and expanding costly government mandates is the wrong approach, one which will devastate our economy," Villines said. "We continue to agree with the governor's statements in 2004, when he argued that a new jobs tax will be a job killer and force many businesses to lay off workers, move out of state or close their doors for good."
The plan also drew strong reaction from those who oppose state benefits for illegal immigrants. Several local Republican lawmakers, including state Sen. Mark Wyland, R-Carlsbad, said they would oppose enrolling illegal immigrants in state-funded health programs.
"I don't think we should be asking citizens to cover benefits for those who are here illegally," Wyland said.
Acknowledging that covering illegal immigrants is a controversial proposal, Schwarzenegger said federal law already requires hospitals to accept everyone, regardless of immigration status, into their emergency rooms. He said preventive care would help reduce expensive emergency room costs.
"There is no debate about whether to provide medical care to people who are in California illegally," Schwarzenegger said. "I know this is controversial, but federal law requires us to treat anyone who shows up at an emergency room in need of care. So, the decision for my team was, do we treat them in emergency rooms at the highest cost available or do we do it right and do it efficiently?"
Health care advocates said providing coverage for children should not be bogged down by arguments over immigration. According to some estimates, children in low-income families make up about 750,000 of the state's uninsured population and are among the most cost-effective to insure.
"If we can get beyond the argument on who is documented and who is undocumented, we can get going, rolling up our sleeves and get to work," said Irma Cota, chief executive officer of North County Health Services, a network of community clinics based in San Marcos and serving predominantly low-income and uninsured patients.
Kim Belshe, Schwarzenegger's health secretary, said just as everyone benefits from a healthy work force, everyone should share in the cost.
"Fixing our broken health care system requires changes from all of us, individuals, government, doctors and hospitals, insurance and employers," she said.
Belshe said $10 billion to $15 billion in new money, including increased Medi-Cal rates, would go to doctors and hospitals under Schwarzenegger's plan.
Schwarzenegger is betting that his plan will save $10 billion to $15 billion a year by cutting health care costs and redirecting money already in the system. He said the savings will offset the new fees he is asking doctors and hospitals to pay.
Hospitals would have to pay 4 percent of their revenues, while doctors will pay 2 percent. The state also would increase what it pays doctors and hospitals through Medi-Cal, which is widely seen as woefully underfunded.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this story. Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.
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Alex wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:04 PM:Good for California. Great plan!
CC wrote on Jan 8, 2007 11:21 PM:Notice he is doing this after the election. Right before the election he was doing all kinds of things that Californians actually wanted so that he could get re-elected. Angelides dropped like a rock after he won the primary and then announced plans for socialized medicine in California.
American Mike wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:14 AM:Why don't we all just move to Venezuela? Socialism is on its way. Someone in Escondido is going to make a killing carrying state issued baby strollers for the illegals. What’s next, an illegal baby stroller lane next to the bike lane? Let the Mayor tear down the Boys club and build an illegal baby stroller parking lot in its place. Damn place has been there since I was a kid, and provided experience 35 years ago that helped me through my career. Of course the illegals don’t have to have an education, nor the need to speak English, so what the heck, just give it all away. Arnold, and Mrs. Mayor, may the oil stains from thousands old Chebbys stain your driveways. What a couple of deadbeat Americans. The sad thing is, no one reading this can do anything about the problem. It’s something our legal American grandchildren will have to deal with and we’ll be long dead gone while the politicians now reap the salsa and menudo benefits. It’s time for a Northern and Southern California, and the nits in Sacramento and San Francisco should be relocated to the border towns. Keep my job, keep my benefits, keep my livelihood and meager middle class existence alive! To arms Americans, to arms!.
Jimbo wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:30 AM:Rather than cover illegals, why not concentrate on deporting them.
M wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:41 AM:Decent idea, but a pipe dream. There is no way the state can force everyone to get insurance -- what the plan fails to account for is that a large number of the uninsured are part of the "shadow economy" - and even if the costs were reasonable, those individuals do not want to come into the light.
Health care for illegals wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:49 AM:Once treated in the ER an illegal alien must be deported. Treat and Deport should be California's new policy.
Nicole wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:42 AM:I don't think its fair for us citizens to have to pay for undocumented peoples' healthcare! I shell out a lot of money each month for my family's healthcare and I resent that the extrememly poor, undocumented ILLEGAL immigrants get away with getting insurance for free or almost free! I think it will drive many businesses away and some businesses may cut their benefits so that the state can pick up the slack (does anybody remember recently reading about Wal- Mart doing exactly that)?
Floyd wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:44 AM:Instead of requiring health insurance for all within California, why doesn't the state just extend it's existing health care plans (Medi-Cal, et. al) to everyone for an affordable fee? When I pay my health costs out of my pocket, the cost is $2,000 per year. When I am covered by health insurance, the monthly premium (split between me and my employer) is $800/month or $9,600.00 per year -- and that doesn't count co-pays and deductibles. To lower the cost of health care, eliminate the insurance entirely and you'll see the cost drops drastically.
Veritas wrote on Jan 9, 2007 2:10 AM:And lets give the illegals, drivers licenses because they here drive too. Viva Calmexico! ps throw in SS cards so they won't have to steal them. Another problem solved.
Paul wrote on Jan 9, 2007 3:47 AM:Creeping socialism. 50 years ago we had a very good medical system, but Lawyers, insurance companies, doctors, and patients are all to blame for this mess.
Ron wrote on Jan 9, 2007 4:46 AM:Where does the Goven-nator think all this money is going to come from? That's right, ultimately the taxpayer. When hospitals have to pay 4% toward this, the consumers bills of that hospital's services will go up 4%, and so on.
John wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:39 AM:Great more taxes. Welcome to the Socialist Republic of California.
David wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:25 AM:Once again our political machine has tried to use the term "kids" to try and sway us into agreeing with their ideas. I for one (and I know I’m not alone) will work hard not to allow our country to get beyond the argument on who is documented and who is undocumented. It is a major issue that needs to be resolved in a way that benefits the United States and her legal citizens and doesn’t reward those who break our laws or the foreign nations they come from. All you are doing by supporting this plan is rewarding the criminal and punishing the citizen.
From Democrat-Robert wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:33 AM:True its a plan, but the devil is in the details and coverage for illigals will doom its chances for success as millions more will pour across the border!
Concerned Citizen wrote on Jan 9, 2007 6:43 AM:The illegal children should be in Mexico and begging from that government. I am so sick of illegals taking from real citizens!
cb wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:06 AM:Amazing how "some groups" oppose this measure, a measure that would ultemately tryly benefit ALL of us in the state. Not surprisingly these groups include so-called "conservatives", healthcare corporations, etc. I can just see it. These groups are going to take advantage of the ignorant and xenephobic bigots (many in this comment section) and oppose this measure "because it benefits them 'illegals". Sad how hate and bigotry truly gets in the way of reasoning.
Reasonable to require that all be insured wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:00 AM:I support the idea that all Californians should be required to be insured. The current system was leading to a "death spiral" where the insured subsidize the uninsured, thereby raising the rates for the insured, thereby reducing the number of insured, and so on. I also support the idea of requiring those employers who don't provide health insurance to pay into a pool for their employees.
Liz wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:19 AM:Because God forbid we should hold wealthy roofing company owners, painting contractors and the like responsible for paying taxes on their legal employees, let alone offering insurance benefits to them and their families. Enjoy the cheap labor and your Wal-Mart shopping - just realize you WILL pay for your greed one way or another.
RG wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:22 AM:I agree with Mark Wyland who said: "I don't think we should be asking citizens to cover benefits for those who are here illegally". The proposal seems to me to be one more incentive for foreigners to break the law by coming into our country illegally. Why encourage these people to thumb their noses at us and our laws? If their culture is to have a bunch of kids, they should have them and raise them in their own country. Mexico needs to be fixed. We should not be providing ways for their people to to avoid that need.
Vista Citizen wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:24 AM:Arnold the turncoat has gone from semi-conservitive to socialist to pander to the immigration vote, lobbies and pols. The only people that will pay for this are taxpayers with higher health insurance rates and higher taxes. Businesses and citizens moved out of state due to excessive expenses in the eightys and ninties and will do it again if punished by California government.
Vista Citizen wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:26 AM:Arnold the turncoat has gone from semi-conservative to socialist to pander to the immigration vote, lobbies and pols. The only people that will pay for this are taxpayers with higher health insurance rates and higher taxes. Businesses and citizens moved out of state due to excessive expenses in the eighties and nineties and will do it again if punished by California government.
Charity begins at Home wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:36 AM:Why would we WANT to extend health care coverage to illegals? That will only encourage most poor latin American countries to send more. Let's get a plan in place to take care of our own before we open our purses to the world. We don't even have a very good delivery system yet for our own mentally ill, disabled and elderly and we're opening up the floodgates to the world? Arnie, we aren't a rich enough state to undertake such a grandiose plan!
Concerned wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:49 AM:So there it is. The federal government requires anyone to be treated in the ER. That said, they should bare the burden of cost. And, of course, if they would crack down on employers, enforce the law, and protect our borders, then we would have fewer illegal aliens to treat. It's a federal problem! Okay Dems, what are you going to do about it?
Reardon wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:50 AM:Fortunately for the State government, only three languages are spoken in North, Central, and South America. That means only three signs saying, "Come one, come all" can cover the offer of free medical care for the continent. We already give free education, but the oceans have given us some protection....
California Resident wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:52 AM:WHY ARE WE PAYING FOR THE ILLEGALS. Suck your head out. I have to pay for my own insurance for medical they should too!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET REAL ARNOLD!!!
Mary wrote on Jan 9, 2007 9:30 AM:This appears to be a good way to kill a small business and send them to another state. Another tax for a business to pay......coverage for those who are not legally here and should not be employed in the first place. California needs to concentrate on closing the borders and enforcing the employment and immigration laws. This social benefit will serve to increase the flow of illegals to our state. Mexico should reimburse us for these medical costs.
Concerned Voter wrote on Jan 9, 2007 9:43 AM:The governor got the priority wrong. He should get rid of all illegal immigrants and then we can talk about health care. So he is enticing more illegal to come here because of health insurance coverage. This is insane and I am not going to put up with this kind of nonsense. Maybe we should have a free state program to brain wash all the socialists, liberals and communists that there is a big price tag attached with social programs. But then, this is again in itself a oxymoron.
Great Idea wrote on Jan 9, 2007 9:43 AM:I think a better idea would be for Arnold himself to cover all the illegals expenses. Now that I can live with. Adios!
Ricardo wrote on Jan 9, 2007 9:44 AM:Great, another unfunded mandate. Who's going to pay for this? Not AHHnold, but those of us who actually have jobs. Thanks Arnie!
Ron wrote on Jan 9, 2007 9:51 AM:Wait a second.... Didn't the State pass a law that "every" driver should have car insurance? How's that one doing? Couple years ago, I got creamed by an illegal, he caused a 4 car accident by trying to use the shoulder next to the center divide. I'm sitting there in stopped traffic, minding my own business, and BLAM!!! All the CHP did was cite him, and haul his car off. For the rest of us (and one car was completely totalled) we were left to deal with our own insurance companies. And get this... they guy had a P.O. Box on his license as his address. I was floored.
To CC: wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:22 AM:Those were my thoughts also. I don't believe that the Governator would have stood any chance at reelection if he had put this on the table before the voters took to the polls.
Ray wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:24 AM:I will not subscribe to it, pay for it or in any way accept it as long as illegal aliens get freebies.
Veritas wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:29 AM:...let's be a little fair now. We must give them voting rights also. But wait a minute, since we're going to also end up providing their driver's license then we must all pitch in and assist in their auto insurance payments.
Not paying for Illegals wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:41 AM:We work hard, obey the laws and pay taxes. I'm curious as to what portion of my paid taxes are used to support illegal aliens? If I were to find this number, would our government allow me to choose not to contribute to funding the illegal lifestle of free education, healthcare, and other social services? I am all for paying my taxes to support American citizens, but I just wonder if I would have the option of NOT paying my fair share? Would I go to jail or be fined for not paying for supporting Illegal aliens? As an American citizen, should I not have this option? What if all American citizens were given this option? Would our elected officials still be so generous to Illegals? Can't we please give our hard earend money to Americans? Why don't we, the people, come first?
American Taxpayer wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:52 AM:I seem to remember an American man who DIED in Mexico a few years ago while his family struggled helplessly to raise money because he was so seriously ill and the Mexican's (following THEIR laws) wouldn't transfer him to an American hospital until HE PAID HIS BILL at the Mexican hospital he was taken to after his accident. HOW DARE the Governor hijack American taxpayers money to pay for medical benefits for illegals who creep over the border like vermin and show NO RESPECT for our country or our laws? Breeding Democrats for the Kennedy family? I voted for Schwartenegger but never again!
Skip wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:06 AM:Joel Fox, president of the Small Business Action Committee, warned of "unintended consequences" of the package. Will the package work as a magnet? Yes, he answered. And: "It doesn't necessarily mean we're talking about people from Mexico. It could be people from Nevada, too."
Mimi wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:30 AM: 5 million of our older Americans have not signed up yet for their Medicare, Part D, drug plan------they are old and confused. We are NOT going to grant them an extension. However, 12 million illegal aliens are in our country and we are going to allow them to stay, protest, procreate, receive support monies, attend schools, avoid paying income taxes, have our teachers take 300 hours of ESL(English as a Second Language) training at our expense, etc. WE MUST REALLY DISLIKE OUR OLD PEOPLE......
Syl wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:49 AM:Is this the same Arnold? Now he says to Californians : just overlook the fact that we are talking about millions of Illegal Aliens. Get over that and suck it up! And the funny part is that this is the same Arnold that said Illegal Aliens will not get driver's licenses. I do not care what the socialists, religous nuts, or bleeding heart liberals preach; I WILL NEVER EMBRACE ILLEGAL ALIENS.
Next on the Agenda? wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:52 AM:Free or subsidized Auto Insurance for the poor, and to the Illegal Aliens, to go with their new found driver's licenses. AUTO INSURANCE FOR EVERYONE!
Gary in Murrieta wrote on Jan 9, 2007 11:58 AM:This proposal has really got people's attention! People are really talking about this, and the funny part is that people that I have never heard bring up Illegal Immigration, are now talking about this too. Arnold may not get his way when he says overlook the fact that we are talking about taxpayer subsidized Illegal Aliens. I am starting to think that when the Amnesty issue comes up next there will be a backlash from Americans that will be on a scale that has never been seen before. Go ahead Illegals, protest and march with you foreign or Mexican Flags. Americans have had enough!
Nittygritty wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:01 PM:You know, when Arnold first became Governor of Ca, I thought maybe he might be good for CA, now, my only feelings on the matter can be said in 5 words. HE NEEDS TO BE TERMINATED!
RWC wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:03 PM:I thought he was conservative Republican. Guess there is no difference between Democrates and Republicans. Arnold gets elected for his last term then proceeds to pass socialist bills to enslave citizens. Sooner or later we will be just like Communist countries where citizens do not want to work for the government gives it to them for free or takes it from them if they have too much. I free our country is headed towards a one world government soon.
Skip wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:14 PM:Normal everyday people all over California are starting to talk about ......... ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ! Just like the millions of marchers with Mexican Flags, the governor has got people's attention. Just overlook what ? Say what ? RE :If we can get beyond the argument on who is documented and who is undocumented (read ILLEGAL ALIEN)
Roberto wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:16 PM:Conservative talk radio is having a field day with this one
Whats the big deal? wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:27 PM:I take the ambunlance when I sprain my foot and tell them I have no papers and am not an american, I get to go to the head of the waiting list, even before heart patients and not pay one dime, even though the hospital knows I am american, I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!
Oh and go for wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:31 PM:food stamps use a phony social security they don't check. lol
Oh and buy something wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:33 PM:if you are illegal and have your friend buy insurance on the product, then report it stolen and your american cousins gives you the money, it is so easy!!!!
Oh yeah! wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:37 PM:M13 is getting smart, they tell the gangsters not to shake down certain illegals and M13 offers the illegals protection provided they store their AK47s and other weapons and drugs in their homes. They know the police will not enter an illegal home and this way if the police raid the gangsters or the M13 the house is clean!
I love livin in the hood wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:39 PM:You get to know more than homeland security!
I like the idea wrote on Jan 9, 2007 12:53 PM:April 15th everybody file for extension to file.
waldo wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:11 PM:Arnold the socialist leader of california. Recall Arnold. Recall Arnold
terry wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:12 PM:recall arnold now before he destroys whats left of california. Then bring back propisition 187. Which arnold opposses.
Adam wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:33 PM:Broken health care system, broken hospital and emergency rooms, broken immigration system, broken education system, broken freeway system, broken Electrical system, and broken water system. Does anyone see a pattern developing here? Sounds like overpopulation to me.
News Flash wrote on Jan 9, 2007 1:39 PM:Wealthy Mexicans living in Tijuana, are fleeing to cities like Chula Vista, on the pretense that they are escaping the Tijuana violence and kidnappings. Just what we need next, a new wave of Political refugees. At least these people are educated and self sufficient.
RWC wrote on Jan 9, 2007 2:00 PM:This blog is censored! Where is my post?
RWC wrote on Jan 9, 2007 2:08 PM:Wake up America! Our elected representives do are not interested in what the people want. They are pursuing their own agenda. We are on road to a socialist form of government. Appears China and Russia have succeeded in invading USA without firing a bullet. Wake up America! Read Original Intent by David Barton.
Lidano wrote on Jan 9, 2007 2:10 PM:I think this is wonderful. Health insurance needs to be available for all. In a recent article appearing in the latest issue of eMaxhealth Health Insurance it says clealy that the public wants the US congress also to focuse on Health Insurance and Health care costs as well.
187? wrote on Jan 9, 2007 2:58 PM:What part of unconstitutional don't you get Terry! You and your buddies must look at the real issue here, unaffordable healthcare.
Great Plan wrote on Jan 9, 2007 3:16 PM:Have the illegal’s and liberals go to any hospital or doctor and arrest and immediately deport them for treatment back across the border. Adios
Daren wrote on Jan 9, 2007 3:53 PM:If the governor pursues this measure, he will be just asking for a recall effort.
to 187? wrote on Jan 9, 2007 4:14 PM:What about ILLEGAL do you and your buddies not understand? The law clearly statest that one who is here illegally can be deported. They should consider themselves lucky to even be here. Nowhere in the constitution does it read that we must support illegals welfare with legal US citizen/resident's hard earned tax dollars.
Gary wrote on Jan 9, 2007 4:35 PM:If this great new plan fails before it starts, it is because they had to put the Illegal Aliens in it, up front. You did not think that Californians will fall for that "Undocumented" crap again? did you?
THE HEADLINES SCREAM wrote on Jan 9, 2007 4:42 PM:"California Plan for Health Care Would Cover All". My question is: ALL of What? All of California? All of the Illegal Aliens? All of the United States? All of Mexico? South America? And God knows who else. Who did they say was going to pay for this? And How? There are quite a few unknowns in this proposal, and lot of questions. If only he had not said the "Illegal Aliens" words.
El Guero wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:04 PM:More insanity from a governor who's behaving just like a duck in a shooting gallery. Since all 6 of his ballot propositions got shot down (unfortunately) last year, he's spun around 180° and now wants to give free health care to all of 'California's children.' Well we all know who he's referring to. All illegal immigrants, including the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, should be categorically denied publicly funded assistance of any kind. Until the Governator understands this, his budget will be DOA in the Assembly. (Thank God for the two-thirds majority rule!)
sandy wrote on Jan 9, 2007 5:36 PM:i personally think our gov. is doing alot better job with california than dimwit davis! and health care for all californians is something we heard about for past 16 years--finally a reality, Thank You Gov. Arnold
Gill wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:00 PM:IT IS TIME TO REPEAL THE 14TH AMENDMENT!!
Keith wrote on Jan 9, 2007 7:21 PM:My God, its no wonder the se hablas are coming here by the bus loads. What a joke!!!
Poison Pill bill wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:27 PM:The bill is a great start, except for the poison pill of covering all foreigners at no cost. I guess it is how one looks like a good liberal without actually being one. We need national insurance for all Americans at an affordable price. I dont think we can insure the world unless we annex them.
bryan wrote on Jan 9, 2007 8:33 PM:Recall arnold the traitor. Deport arnold.
This is What he Said before wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:22 AM:Granting citizenship to people who are here illegally, the governor says, ?is not just amnesty ? it?s anarchy. We are a country of immigrants, yes. But we are also a nation of laws. People who want to be citizens will want to do it the right way.? Again leaving the particulars of how a citizenship program might be structured for another time. But in any event, Schwarzenegger, who acknowledges voting for Prop 187 in 1994, no longer supports it, memorably declaring a year before he ran for governor ? when the recall was on no one?s mind ? in a 2002 appearance at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco that he ?would never stand in the way of a child going to school.?
To CB: wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:08 AM:RE : xenephobic bigots >>> did you rewrite the dictionary? Where does it mention this definition relating to American citizens subsidizing Illegal Aliens (non-taxpaying foreigners from foreign countries). The majority of American taxpaying citizens will not stand for this misuse of taxpayer monies. Illegal aliens need to get social services from their own country of origion. No wonder mexico has no incentives to fix their country. They just dump their poor on the U.S. Later this year mexico will even give their people GPS devices to help them safely (Illegally) cross our borders.
leopold wrote on Mar 8, 2007 9:19 AM:Every American should have affordable health insurance.
Zain wrote on Jul 13, 2007 9:49 AM:Is the Medical system in this country "Sico" , to many it may seem that way, but we are better than most,, The Gov has a great plan, and his Lt Gov I am sure has given his feedback, Lt Gov Garamandi is the ex insurance commissionaire, and he has a great plan that will work. We have three problems: Uninsured Illegal?s and Uninsured Foreign Nationals or Visitors, who come here for short stays. The First two we must insure, and as for the foreign Visitors, and people that come here to work on a temp Visa, we must not issue a Travel Visa without proof of Insurance, as most countries do. They can buy that from [Web site] Zain
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