In local visit, governor pushes health reform plan
By: EDWARD SIFUENTES - Staff Writer | ∞
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about his health care initiative during a news conference at the Pearl Restaurant in Rancho Bernardo on Friday.
JOHN KOSTER For The North County TImes
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SAN DIEGO ---- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Friday in San Diego that the mood is right in Sacramento to reform the state's health care system to cover an estimated 6.5 million uninsured Californians.
The governor held a news conference at a Rancho Bernardo restaurant to talk about his plan. It calls for higher Medi-Cal payments for doctors and new fees for employers who don't provide health insurance for their workers.
It also mandates that all residents buy health insurance and provides subsidies for those who can't afford it.
Democrats, who control the Legislature and have their own proposal, have challenged the governor's plan. Even some GOP lawmakers say there is not enough time to debate such a wide-ranging proposal. The Legislature adjourns in two weeks.
But Schwarzenegger, flanked by local business and health leaders, said Friday he is confident he can broker a deal.
"The mood in Sacramento is a good mood," he said. "(Democrats) understand that this is a rare opportunity that we have. They have different ideas, but I tell you there's a willingness to work together and to make this work."
On Thursday, Democrats backed off from a vote of no confidence on the governor's plan after Schwarzenegger met with Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles. A spokesman for Nunez said after the meeting that they were making progress in talks.
The Democrats' plan would require employers to spend at least 7.5 percent of their payroll expenses on health care or pay into a state fund. In the governor's plan, businesses would pay about half that amount.
The governor said last month that he would veto the Democrats' plan if it relied solely on businesses for funding.
"I know that this will not be easy, but piecemeal reform is not an option," Schwarzenegger said Friday.
Several business, health care and political leaders who attended the news conference said they agreed with the governor's plan.
"As a health care provider and one who lives inside this crisis every day, I can tell you there is no silver bullet," said Chris Van Gorder, president of Scripps Health that operates five hospitals in the county, including one in Encinitas.
Schwarzenegger announced his $12 billion reform plan in January.
Under his 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 Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact staff writer Edward Sifuentes at (760) 740-3511 or esifuentes@nctimes.com.
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The mood is right wrote on Aug 31, 2007 11:46 PM:to never vote for that welfare giving democrat again. What a turncoat. Pure disappointment. No other comments are needed.
Universal healthcare wrote on Sep 1, 2007 1:06 AM:should be for everyone. Get rid of private insurance!
Wyland is also wrote on Sep 1, 2007 3:31 AM:pushing for this socialistic plan. Don't re-elect Mark Wyland.
Ron wrote on Sep 1, 2007 6:14 AM:he wants half, they want 7.5.... and it will grow, no doubt about it.
Absolutely NO wrote on Sep 1, 2007 6:17 AM:Right now we have a shortage of doctors in North County, especially Escondido. The majority are older and close to retirement. Can you imagine what effect it will have when doctors have to pay 2 percent of their income for this plan? Also, hospitals will be taxed. It's bad enough right now in hospitals where nursing is almost a lost art. By that I mean your out the door as soon as you can barely move and have to recover and nurse yourself to save money and it will get worse. The gov has been up there will the Democrats way to long. As for national health care-be careful what you wish for because it means lousy, rationed care for all.
Bill wrote on Sep 1, 2007 7:35 AM:The mood is right said it all!
resident wrote on Sep 1, 2007 10:12 AM:What wrong?! have the minutemen slept in today???
Kent wrote on Sep 1, 2007 12:06 PM:Arnold will never be waiting in line for socialized medicine. Neither will any other rich bug. Just ask Leona Helmsley who pays the taxes and for all the public dole. It is the working man and woman. This is nothing more than another vote buying scheme from the Left.
Something needs to be done wrote on Sep 1, 2007 1:09 PM:The current situation cannot be maintained, and those who are sponging off of the employers who do offer health insurance, as well as those individuals who opt not to get it, need to step up and pay their share. I'm not sure that the tax on docs and hospitals makes sense (seems to me that they're just gonna pass the cost on to us). Also, how will California avoid becoming a magnet for every sick and disabled person in the US (and those not outside the US)? I'm worried that this will become a bottomless money pit for the state. It's a hard nut to crack, that's for sure!
Idea-24 hour care for every employee wrote on Sep 1, 2007 4:29 PM:How is it that the health plans seem to omit one of the worst causes of expense there is - California's workers compensation insurance. It is fraught with fraud, overcharging, and employees that figure they can make more net income (work.comp isn't taxed and it cannot be attached by the government). If there were a comprehensive health plan for employers that provided 24 hour care, and all the necessities that work.comp now provides, and if the coverage was for EVERYONE who was employed in California, then 90 % of the battle would be won, plus the doctords and hospitals would not have to pay. wouldn't it work ?
JoAnn wrote on Sep 1, 2007 6:45 PM:I voted for Arnold the Republican. What a lie. He is a Socialist. Tax tax and tax some more. Of course all the illegals will be included which then makes us more than Sanctuary State. I smell another Run For the Border.
you gotta be kidding wrote on Sep 1, 2007 7:25 PM: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...........I can't believe this. We are a family of five making UNDER $60K and we pay our own health premiums and copays. Sure we have to 'budget' and we don't have cable TV, gym memberships, or new cars. Those who want 'freebies' will find a way to get them. Now we pay for others who won't work? Yes, children deserve health care, but their parents are responsible for providing it. Send the illegals home, eliminate med-i-cal, free lunch, etc. Or give health insurance to EVERYONE, not just a select few.
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