As some states press pause on implementation of the new health care reform, California is pressing fast forward. And it's doing so in bipartisan fashion. The state's Democratically controlled legislature has teamed with outgoing Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to implement the new health care reform at a steady pace. It's a trend that's set to continue as Schwarzenegger is replaced by incoming Democratic Governor Jerry Brow next month.
California is home to 37 million residents--the largest in the United States--and one out of every four families in the state has no health insurance. Reform efforts are well underway as the state is removing limits on health insurance policies and barring insurance companies from denying children coverage because of preexisting conditions. California is also the first state to set-up a health benefit exchange, where consumers and small businesses can shop for affordable health insurance among competing insurance companies starting in 2014.These fast track moves are occurring four years ahead of the federal deadline, which requires all states to have implemented the new health care legislation.
"There are a lot of elements of this law that is going to be implemented--and there will be changes, undoubtedly," said Jim Costa, a Democratic congressman from Fresno, California. "There will be changes with -- as we try to see what's working and what's not working."
Quotes
"When it comes to health reform implementation, some states have hit the pause button. Some states are actually taking a step back and reconsidering. Under Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, we [California] really have been leaning forward and moving forward." --Kim Belshe, California Secretary of Health and Human Services
"I'm certainly concerned about our ability to meet an increased demand. We're already pretty well slammed with patients all the time. But I'm very excited about health care reform." --Stephen Schilling, director Clinica Sierra Vista
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is California?
2. What is bipartisanship?
3. When you hear "preexisting condition" what do you think that means?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you suppose California is making serious efforts to implement the new health care reform law?
2. How is changing the health care system in the whole country, different than changing it in a state?
3. Why do you think other states are against health care reform and states like California are embracing it? Do you think politics comes into the equation?
Additional Resources
In Wisconsin, Political Battle Brewing Over Shaping Health Reform Law
Four Years After Health Reform, an Update on Care in Massachusetts
