California bill would keep 700K needy children insured
California lawmakers are attempting to push through a bill that would enable a state health organization that provides families without health insurance with an option to provide low-cost coverage for their children.
California lawmakers are attempting to push through a bill that would enable a state health organization that provides families without health insurance with an option to provide low-cost coverage for their children.
On September 3 the California Senate approved a $164 million plan that would create a new 2.35 percent tax on insurance companies, according to the Los Angeles Times. The revenue from the tax, which lawmakers expect would be about $97 million, would be used to fund Happy Families, a low cost health insurance provider for needy children, and allow them to avoid terminating the programs of 700,000 children they currently cover.
If the bill is approved by the house, the Times added that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was expected to sign the bill.
“There are 700,000 reasons for supporting [the bill],” California Senate leader Darrell Steinberg D-Sacramento) told the Times. “This is a shared solution to a disaster . . . that will occur if we don’t intervene.”
Healthy Families provides health care services to children who come from low income families that have not had health insurance from an employer for at least three months, according to the service’s website.
For a premium each month that ranges from $4 to $17 per child, eligible children receive hospital, dental, and eye care as well as access to surgeons, physical and speech therapists, and drug and alcohol treatment centers
“This is one of those rare opportunities to do the right thing on a bipartisan basis,” Wendy Lazarus, the founder of the nonprofit health advocacy organization Children’s Partnership, told the Times of her hopes regarding the bill’s passing.
Learn how easy and convenient shopping for health insurance can be. Get your free health insurance quotes today!
Posted: September 3, 2009
Related Health Insurance Articles
- States take action to guarantee workers receive insurance benefits without falling victim to workplace fraud. August 28, 2009
- NAIC: healthcare reform is needed August 26, 2009
- Report: healthcare costs to rise 10.5 percent in next 12 months August 26, 2009
- Reduce sugar intake to lower health risks, and maybe your insurance costs as well August 26, 2009
- Study: 20 states’ premium costs above average, reform suggested August 24, 2009
- Study: Health care premiums may double by 2020 August 21, 2009
- A decrease in new doctors could lead to increased health insurance rates down the road August 20, 2009
- Poll: Americans not confident in health care reform proposals August 19, 2009
- If traveling abroad, remember to check with insurance providers to ensure your coverage August 17, 2009
- Reports: Growth in insurance premiums outpacing paycheck growth in four states August 13, 2009
- Health insurance terms see rise in interest on web amid recession, health care debate August 12, 2009
