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Reaction mostly positive to governor's health proposal
By: WILLIAM FINN BENNETT - Staff Writer | ∞
NORTH COUNTY -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's sweeping proposal to require health insurance for all Californians got a strong thumbs up Tuesday from a top official with a group of clinics that provide health care services to poor local families.
The plan would see businesses, individuals, insurance companies, hospitals and doctors collaborating to reduce the costs of health care coverage.
Health officials said that while the governor focused mainly on children when announcing his plan earlier this week, the proposal would also expand health care coverage for a growing number of lower-income adults who aren't currently eligible for state-funded insurance.
"He is taking steps to protect the most vulnerable: children and working adults," said Irma Cota, chief executive officer for North County Health Services, which runs health care centers in San Marcos, Ramona, Oceanside and Carlsbad and annually serves about 55,000 clients.
The change is long overdue, Cota said. She estimated that in the last year, the number of low-income residents who are ineligible for subsidized care or don't have insurance has grown by 20 percent at her nine clinics.
State figures show that nearly 5 million Californians are uninsured at any given time. Under the current system, low-income families may be eligible for no- or low-cost health insurance. For families whose earnings are under the poverty level of $20,000 per year for a family of four, parents and children are eligible for taxpayer funded Medi-Cal at no cost. The children are eligible for subsidized health care from the state if the family earns up to 250 percent of the poverty level, or $50,000 for a family of four.
Under the new plan, the adults in families who earn up to 2 1/2 times the federal poverty level would become eligible for subsidized insurance rates on a sliding scale. The children would be eligible if the family earns less than 300 percent of the $20,000 poverty level. That subsidized insurance could be bought through an insurance-purchasing pool.
State officials estimate that about 1.2 million legal residents in the state don't have health insurance and earn 100 percent to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or between $20,000 and $50,000 per year for a family of four. Those families who earn up to 150 percent of the poverty level -- or $30,000 for a family of four -- would pay 3 percent of their income for the insurance. Families who earn $30,000 to $40,000 would pay 4 percent of their incomes, and families of four earning $40,000 to $50,000 would pay 6 percent.
The new plan would require that all Californians have health insurance substantial enough to protect them against catastrophic health care costs. The minimum coverage required would be a plan with a $5,000 deductible and out-of-pocket limits of $7,500 per person or $10,000 per family.
The minimum plan offers significantly less coverage than many corporate and personal insurance plans, and some analysts raised concerns that many residents who qualify for state coverage would abandon their current health plans in favor of plans with higher deductibles from the state.
Then, when a catastrophic health scenario occurs, "they are not going to be able to pay and what is that going to mean?" asked Sherreta Lane, vice president of reimbursement and economic analysis with the California Hospital Association.
A spokeswoman for the governor said there would be no initial penalties for people who did not purchase insurance, but that people who repeatedly sought nonemergency care without insurance would face fines from the Franchise Tax Board.
"The point is not to criminalize the uninsured but to encourage enrollment," said Sabrina Lockhart, press secretary for the governor's office.
The costs of the coverage would be shared by many. Employers with 10 or more employees could choose not to offer coverage but would have to contribute the equivalent of 4 percent of their payroll costs toward a statewide plan to be offered to employees. Hospitals would contribute 4 percent of their revenues while private physicians would have to pay 2 percent of their revenues.
On the plus side for hospitals, which often lose money when time they provide care to patients covered by the state's Medi-Cal program, Medi-Cal payments to doctors and hospitals would increase significantly.
Lane said Tuesday that her association is excited about the governor's proposal.
"We are ... supportive of a Medi-Cal rate increase," she said, adding that such a hike in reimbursement rate would come close to eliminating hospitals' negative costs in treating Medi-Cal patients.
Lane said the changes would also help reduce the flow of red ink for many emergency room operations in the state and help take the pressure off overcrowded emergency rooms. Currently, many uninsured patients use emergency rooms for nonemergency health care.
Illegal immigrants would also be covered under the governor's proposal. According to the governor's office, there are approximately 1 million uninsured people who do not have permanent legal residence in the California, including illegal immigrants. About 750,000 of these people are earning less than the threshold of 250 percent of the poverty level, or $50,000.
Those individuals would be eligible for subsidized coverage.
Lane said that one question is how many of those illegal immigrants would be willing to overcome their fear of being discovered as illegal immigrants and enter the health care system.
"Will they actually be willing to receive care in (clinics) or wait until forced to use an emergency department?" she asked.
Despite this important step by Schwarzenegger in providing affordable health care to the working poor, however, North County Health Services' Cota said she is still concerned that some people will have trouble coming up with the money to pay the monthly premiums.
"There will be some who are still not able to afford (it) on their own," she said.
Lockhart, from the governor's office, said an estimated 1.1 million people in California are currently uninsured and earn above the limit for subsidized coverage. However, even those people will find that rates are cheaper, Lockhart said. A major reason for the high rates of medical insurance is that those who do pay for insurance are subsidizing the cost of those who are not insured but still receive medical treatment, she said. By obliging everyone to have insurance, rates should drop, Lockhart said.
A spokesman for the California Health Care Foundation, a statewide nonprofit research organization that calls itself nonpartisan, said Tuesday that he estimates that about 10 percent of insurance premiums go to pay for the costs of health care for the uninsured.
He said that his organization is supportive of the governor's plan, and are encouraged by the fact that he proposes shared responsibility.
However, "keep in mind that this is just the initial proposal and who knows what it will look like after various special interests have weighed in," said spokesman Steve Birenbaum.
For the foundation, a key feature that any universal health care plan must have is affordability.
"You can't have effective universal coverage without addressing the cost issue," he said.
-- Contact staff writer William Finn Bennett at (760) 740-5426 or wbennett@nctimes.com.
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Hannah wrote on Jan 9, 2007 10:59 PM:Everyone I have talked to is outraged about the Governor's new big-government plan for healthcare, taxing and borrowing. This new Austrian healthcare plan infringes on our freedoms and will be demise of the state as we have known it. If you think the reaction is mostly positive, you must be talking to a select group of liberals or special interests who will benefit from the generous, involuntary contributions of responsible citizens.
Ken wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:21 AM:Mostly positive reactions from the people and organizations that stand to make more money is not mostly positive from the vast majority of the people as a whole.
Not Me wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:31 AM:The socialist plan by ah-nold will result in higher insurance rates. So we will be paying for illegals again. Recall anyone?
Jeff wrote on Jan 10, 2007 1:49 AM:This is a mess, its socialism, communism and is so far un-American it is pathetic! Why is the government subsidizing the insurance companies? Premiums you pay now are going to go through the roof as well as other products and services you purchase. Do you really think that millions of small businesses who have pay into a "insurance pool" is going to do so without charging it back to you with increases in cost for products and services they provide. It is silly and way on the liberal side to think that this can be done without hurting the system not to mention promote illegal immigration. Also there are many small business owners whom show a personal income loss due to legal tax deductions. This makes there salary in the category of "subsided insurance" - meaning they will stop paying their own insurance and get the state to help. Yes sir folks - if you think the health care system is mess up now - just wait until this takes affect. Oh and lets not forget about the "penalty" from the Franchise Tax Board if you don't have insurance. Good intentions...Bad idea.
Howiek wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:04 AM:How interesting a comment! First we have a statement that says “we are all outraged”—who’s “we”. Then of course you get into the ethnic part (the usual prelude for WASPs) of your comment—the “Austrian” healthcare plan! Always gotta bring up the ethnic part don’t you?
Taxpayer wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:16 AM:Way to spin this story NCT! The only ones "happy" about this are the far left liberals and of course the clinic owners who will be recieving the money for treating the criminals! Why doesn't the governor sponsor a proposal to place the INS in each and every hospital and clinic that way after they get treated they could be shipped back to there countries! This governor spun this story as if it would help me, a middle class taxpayer! Who is he kidding and who are you kidding with these slanted stories! If this paper insists upon taking a stand instead of reporting the news why can't you take a stand for the American taxpayer instead of the criminals sucking our government dry?
dave from oceanside wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:36 AM:With open the borders and now free health care this state will crumble. What a mess!
David wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:22 AM:"Reaction mostly positive to governor's health proposal"-right. It has only been viewed as positive by those who support the illegal immigrants and the destruction of the United States, namely organizations like the NCT and La Raza.
Sure the clinics who provide wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:40 AM:health care to the poor, like North County Health Services is supportive of the Govenors plans. They are already ripping off the taxpayer to the tune of millions of dollars a year for giving illegal aliens free health care. Now they can make MORE off the poor taxpayers. Of course there won't BE any taxpayers when all the employers leave CA. Just think of how THAT will impact the housing market and the prices of our homes.
Citizen wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:58 AM:"Mostly positive" my ...! I have yet to encounter one person who thinks healthcare for ILLEGAL aliens is a good idea.
NCT out of touch with readers wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:02 AM:The headline "Reaction mostly positive to governor's health proposal" is totally contradictory to what citizens are actually saying! Does this paper actually read the comments to their articles? The overwhelming majority are against by the Governor's proposal! This reminds me of the censorship Russia imposed on it's citizens - you know, everything is fine, the people are happy, you read it here, so it must be true and go along with the majority. The NCT might want to read what it's own readers are writing and get back in touch with it's readers!!!
Not Liberals wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:23 AM:This is not a Liberal plan. It is a wasteful individual mandate which does not solve the problem. It is a special interest plan - those special interests are big insurance companies who will clean up big and surely pay their boys Arnie and Fabian big campaign bucks if they can get it through.
bryan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:58 AM:What a stupid article title. I have heard one person who thinks this is a good idea. Again NCT is in spin mode trying to promote more government more taxes, socialism.
bryan wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:59 AM:What a stupid article title. I have not heard one person who thinks this is a good idea. Again NCT is in spin mode trying to promote more government more taxes, socialism.
Reardon wrote on Jan 10, 2007 9:09 AM:The "No New Taxes" pledge didn't last long...and the requirement for "everyone" to carry automobile insirance is a good example of the future of this program. There are certain megaproblems that simply defy solutions -- the "homeless" come to mind, and usually government "solutions" simply fail to solve the initial problem, while causing new and equally insoluable problems that "government" must then address. Want to know why government grows?
Hello wrote on Jan 10, 2007 9:46 AM:What happened to our republican governor? And no, not most people are positive about this proposal. Can we start the impeachment process with Arnold and George W. yet? They are two peas in a pod. Nothing good for its citizens and everything good for Mexico and Iraq. Just doesn't sound right to me.
Angry Taxpayer in Temecula wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:29 AM:The title of this article "Reaction mostly positive to governor's health proposal" is a prime example of opinionated bias seeping into what should be an objective news story. Where is the scientific poll or survey indicating that most Californians are in favor of a new 'Big Brother' socialism program for the state of California? Even the NC Times' own non-scientific poll on its internet homepage indicates that the majority of the internet survey respondents are against Schwarzenegger's socialized medicine scheme. The purpose of socialism is equality, and socialized medicine will only succeed at making all Californians equally sick. Just imagine your new healthcare under Schwarzennegger's bureaucratic plan being performed with all of the compassion and attentiveness that you now recieve while waiting at the DMV or IRS office. This is a disgusting power grab and political pandering by a RINO governor.
inky wrote on Jan 10, 2007 10:45 AM:I've lost my faith in the Terminator Governor. He's supporting law breakers now. I think it's Hasta La Vista time.
RWC wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:04 AM:Really? Forcing all citizens to pay for what a few applaud? This is taxation without representation - clear and simple. Why don't those who want these services offered set up an organization to receive donations to provide? This way only those who wish to do have to support. Forcing this on everyone is socialist!
Tax Payer wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:39 AM:You jerks at NCT slant the news so bad it's criminal! "Thumbs up," my rear end! What a joke - the taxpayers are getting royally screwed by the illegals, and the elected officials are a bunch of crooks to boot!
Floyd wrote on Jan 10, 2007 11:57 AM:What I really liked was the Governor's hard-line stance, requiring Mexico to reimburse California the cost of health care provided to Mexican nationals. What? You say he didn't propose billing Mexico for the cost of treating Mexicans? Does that mean Californians will be paying for Mexican health care? That means all I have to do is move to Mexico and then illegally cross the border back into California so I can get my free health care.
El Guero wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:08 PM:An endorsement from North County Health Services' Irma Cota should tell us all we need to know about the governor's plan. 'He is taking steps to protect the most vulnerable: children and working adults,' she says. Of course, we all know who those are. And last year, 'the number of low-income residents who are ineligible for subsidized care or don't have insurance has grown by 20 percent at her nine clinics.' The only truly 'vulnerable' party in this scam is the ultra-vulnerable, privately insured taxpayer.
Jay wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:10 PM:Compelling people to have health insurance is an obvious constitutional uncertainty (what's next, mandatory life insurance?)how would you enforce it? We already require auto insurance which the illegals don't obey. That element at least would still leach off of us. No matter what system is adopted we will still be paying for the aliens (This paper recently reported 40% of our Medi-Cal births are from non-paying illegals). Schwartzenkennedy is just blowing hot air to appease his Spanish-speaking supporters. I never thought I'd see the day where we would have a governor who speaks such poor English appealing to a "constituentsy" of people who speak none at all.
To Jay wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:21 PM:Good point! Government should pay for auto, home, life insurance as well. Brilliant idea! This is a slippery slope. Where will it end?
Laughing at all of you wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:50 PM:What's funny is all of you "illegal immigrant" haters are blowing hot steam about the 500 million dollars they cost you, but you sit back and pay 500 BILLION dollars for the new 51st state, IRAQ. Seems strange. Are you the same conservatives that predict the end of time about minimum wage, even though California's minimum wage law a dollar or more today then the National law isn't causing the end of times. Conservatives......they are laughable.
I never thought . . . . wrote on Jan 10, 2007 12:57 PM:"I never thought I'd see the day where we would have a governor who speaks such poor English appealing to a "constituentsy" of people who speak none at all." We need to quit electing movie stars and elect someone with character.
billy wrote on Jan 10, 2007 1:17 PM:The governor is a traitor, ever since his set of propositions failed in is attack on labor unions and the liberals he has reversed 180 degrees. He is no longer fighting the liberals He as become one. Recal now
More Give-Aways to Illegals wrote on Jan 10, 2007 1:33 PM:I don't want to pay to insure these illegals. Why is the Governor forcing Americans to pay for Mexicans health insurance when most of us have trouble getting our own?
rat-face wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:08 PM:The uninsured will be moving to California like the 49'rs during the gold rush.
Tired wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:28 PM:I'm tired of paying for illegals to come here and have free healtcare and babies on our dime. Where is the help when Americans need it. I work hard each and every day and I'm not able to provide and afford healtcare for my family but we're are all still paying each month for them to.
To Jay... wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:31 PM:..that's because racists won't let them earn licenses. They can't get insurance without licenses.
This is not socialism at all... wrote on Jan 10, 2007 2:32 PM:...its capitalism and pay for play politics at its worst. Y'all shoulda voted for Prop 89.
jay wrote on Jan 10, 2007 3:00 PM:to the person who wrote racists wont let them earn their licences THEY ARE NOT CITIZENS THEY ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!! Enough of this bs racism wrong is wrong! If you were in line and someone cut in front of you would be upset but its ok for illegals to jump in and steal from America??? U r sick!
Opening the Floodgates wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:16 PM:Word at the water cooler (now called blogs) run about 90% outraged with the very suggestion of footing the bill for illegal's health care. Guess those doctors and hospitals are making too much money so they can give some to the state to pay the bills for people who cannot afford healthcare. But, it probably won't begin to cover the "real" costs. The estimate of 1 million illegals is way low and once the program goes into effect, the 35 million from all of the other states will flood into CA along with a few million more from Mexico who will see good jobs in healthcare that Americans don't want to do. Just think of all those translators that will be needed!
Reuqire proof of income tax payment wrote on Jan 10, 2007 5:47 PM:Ok, so California has given up on providing to only its citizens and those who are here legally. At least require proof of having filed state and federal income taxes as a prerequisite for receiving benefits. We should also count (no names needed)the number of illegals so that we can submit a bill to the feds for this program. I think that requiring insurance for all is long overdue, but I also think that those who employ illegals, and exploit them and the rest of us, should pay for their insurance. How this is going to be enforced is a real mystery to me (the car insurance requirement is a good lesson on how NOT to run a program).
Syl wrote on Jan 10, 2007 6:38 PM:Just like in the scene from the movie "Born In East L.A.", the Mexicans are massing on the hilltops in Mexico. Let's talk about Amnesty next, and then the floodgates will open. Can anyone hear that sucking sound, as California fills up. By the way, upper and middle class Californians (taxpayers) are fleeing the state like there is no tommorrow.
Haaaaaaaaaaaa wrote on Jan 10, 2007 7:47 PM:Reaction "mostly" positive. Haaa Haaa Haaa! What a line of bull. Here's my reaction: Kiss Kalifornia goodbye. This will bring fiscal collapse in the "golden state". Nobody will want to live here after that. Recall Arnold now!
health worker wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:12 PM:People need health insurance. Illegal aliens get a lot of quality health care for free...I should know. This plan WILL truly benefit all the LEGAL residents who can't afford any health insurance and hopefully reduce the number of overburded low cost clinics that are losing TONS of money.
aenigma wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:21 PM:Socialism is coming at full speed to CA residents. How many working, Hard working Americans really want to put money into this system that will continue to feed the illegals and lazy welfare people. What gets me, I do not want anymore of my money to go to illegals but we have morons in office because moron people vote them in. DISGUSTING! He is not a true Republican especially with his "Kennedy" wife of his. Well, you folks enjoy CA as I will watch in fall apart from another state soon. I had enough of these politicians, diversity experiment, and liberalism. People need to take back our Nation against the invasion of illegals from all over.
CA is dying wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:23 PM:Arnold and all your politicians in CA are PURE idiots at its finest.
Email Arnie wrote on Jan 10, 2007 8:55 PM:Tell him idea is stoopid. governor@governor.ca.gov and governor@govmail.ca.gov Let your voice be heard!
Jimbo wrote on Jan 11, 2007 12:33 PM:To all those who say "but we need to vaccinate people, regardless of immigration status". I say. I agree. If they are here, it is best for everyone to be vaccinated. That said, they should pay for it themselves or if someone wants to start a charity (not the government), go for it. Heck, I might even donate if I'm in the mood. Anybody who shows up for any free healthcare services should first prove that they have taken measures to prevent illness. If not, vaccinations should be performed and said individuals billed for it. All payment renedered at time of services. If they cannot afford it at time of service, then for billing purposes and ID verification, we should be allowed to ask for their SSN that will be crossreferenced against a national database for accuracy and legitimacy. If they cannot provide a legitimate SSN, then we should be allowed to ask about immigration status and have them deported if they are illegally here and are potentially carrying disease. What, what's that you say? "We can't do that!!!!" Oh yeah, I forgot for a moment, we've already been paralyzed on this. Thanks oh great and wonderful leaders of America!! I know, I know because then people would be scared to go get help at a hospital. So let me get this straight....suffering with a health condition is more desireable than returning to the country from which illegal aliens have fled? Why don't the people accusing tax payers of being bigots focus their efforts on encouraging our gov to force better conditions in countries where their citizens are being treated inhumanely. Oh wait, that makes too much sense. And we all know that the US gov is a sap that has no problem dishing out more tax dollars instead of facing a problem head on. One question to all those who support my tax dollars going to illegals: How long do you think this can possibly hold up?
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