CAHP Statement: Health Plans Applaude Passage of Bills that Assure Health Coverage for Uninsurable Californians
June 28, 2010
Contact: Nicole Kasabian Evans
Statement from Patrick Johnston, President and CEO, California Association of Health Plans -June 28, 2010
SACRAMENTO - Following today's passage of AB 1887 (Villines) and SB 227 (Alquist), bills that allow California to draw down $761 million in new federal funds to create a second "high risk" insurance program for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions, CAHP President and CEO Patrick Johnston issued the following statement:
AB 1887 and SB 227 clear the path for California to access $761 million from the federal government to provide health coverage for thousands of uninsured Californians with serious health conditions.
"In addition to offering thousands of uninsurable Californians access to quality, affordable health care, this bill also insulates the state budget in the event that federal funding is insufficient.
"For too long, our state's high risk pool did not have the resources to adequately serve all the people who need access to health care. These federal dollars will extend coverage to so many individuals who need vital health care services.
"The promise of federal health reform is health coverage for many of our nation's uninsured. These bills will help deliver on that promise by providing a short term health care option for people who otherwise do not qualify for health coverage. In the long term, everyone will be offered coverage regardless of health status."
CAHP is a statewide trade association representing 39 full-service health plans. Through legislative advocacy, education and collaboration with other member organizations, CAHP works to sustain a strong environment in which our member plans can provide access to products that offer choice and flexibility to the more than 21 million members they serve. For more information, please visit www.calhealthplans.org or call (916) 552-2910.
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For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Kasabian Evans, our Vice President of Communications, via e-mail (nevans@calhealthplans.org) or at 916.552.2914.
