Monday, March 31, 2003

HEALTH ACCESS ALERT
Monday, March 31, 2003


THE "HEALTH CARE FOR ALL CALIFORNIANS ACT" SB 921 (Kuehl)

The Health Care for All Californians Act, SB 921 (Kuehl), would provide
health coverage to all Californians through a single insurance plan offered
by the State of California and would control the growth of health care
spending through a simplified administrative structure, consolidated
financing and purchasing and statewide health planning.

A broad range of organizations, including Health Access California, strongly
supports this concept and this legislation, as the best means to acheive our
overarching goal of quality, affordable health care for all. This bill would
provide health access for the over six million uninsured Californians, who
now are more like to die preamturely, and more likely to face financial
ruin. The bill would also seek to comprehensively control health costs,
which threaten health access for the presently insured.

The Senate Insurance Committee will hear SB 921 on Wednesday, April 30. The
hearing will be at 1:30pm, in Room 112 at the State Capitol, Sacramento. The
Committee will also hear SB 2 (Burton), to expand employer-based coverage,
which is also supported by Health Access California, and for which more
information will be forthcoming. This is an exciting time for advocate of
the uninsured.

ATTACHED is:
* A fact sheet on SB 921, from Kuehl's office
* Q&A on "What is single-payer?", from Kuehl's office
* Current list of supporters for SB 921
* Sample support letter

Here are actions your organization can take:

1. Send an endorsement of SB 921 on your organization¹s letterhead
stationery. A sample letter is attached.

Fax your letter of support to: 916-324-4823
Or mail your letter of support to:
Senator Sheila Kuehl
State Capitol, Room 4032
Sacramento, CA 95814


2. Have your organization, and its members, communicate their support to
members of the Senate Insurance Committee. Below is information, including
district cities and phone numbers, for members of the Senate Insurance
Committee:

* Sen. Jackie Speier [D], Chair ­ (San Francisco/415-557-7857 and San
Mateo/650-340-8840); State Capitol Room 2032, 916-445-0503.
* Sen. Ross Johnson [R], Vice-Chair ­ (Irvine/949-833-0180); State Capitol
Room 3063, 916-445-4961.
* Sen. Martha Escutia ­[D], (Norwalk/562-929-6060); State Capitol Room 5080,
916-327-8315.
* Sen. Liz Figueroa ­[D], (Fremont/510-413-5960); State Capitol Room 4061,
916-445-6671.
* Sen. Bill Morrow ­[R], (Carlsbad/760-434-7930 and San Juan
Capistrano/949-489-9838); State Capitol Room 4048, 916-445-3731.
* Sen. Rico Oller ­[R], (Roseville/916-969-8232); State Capitol Room 5064,
916-445-5788.
* Sen. Don Perata [D], (Oakland/510-286-1333); State Capitol Room 4061,
916-445-6577. (Co-author of SB 921)
* Sen. Jack Scott ­[D], (Pasadena/626-683-0282); State Capitol Room 2057,
916-445-5976.
* Sen. Nell Soto ­[D], (Ontario/909-984-7741, and Pomona/909-469-9935, and
San Bernadino/909-381-3832); State Capitol Room 4074, 916-445-6868


3. Join regional efforts in support of the universal health care. Numerous
regional committees have started to meet; Those meetings are listed on the
Health Advocates Calendar. A new one will be distributed later this week.

--

"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and
prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include
the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." -
Cesar Chavez

Peace,
Anthony

--
Anthony E. Wright
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org

Labels: Updates

posted by Anthony Wright | Permalink | 7:44 PM


 

Monday, March 24, 2003

HEALTH ACCESS UPDATE
Monday, March 24, 2003

STATE AND FEDERAL UPDATE ON HEALTH BUDGET


* SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE REVERSES REALIGNMENT: The Senate Budget
Subcommittee #3 on Health, chaired by Senator Wes Chesbro, voted 4-0 to
reverse the Governor's "realignment" proposal to shift funding of 15% of the
state's Medi-Cal costs to county governments, as well as the shift of
long-term care costs. Many groups, including local government
representatives and advocates of the uninsured were opposed to the proposed
shift. The committee did indicate that "overall restructuring/realignment
discussions" were just beginning.

* SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE CONSIDERS CUTS: In addition to realignment, the
Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health listened to extensive testimony on the
whole range of proposed Medi-Cal cuts on Monday afternoon. A full range of
constituent and provider advocates cited their opposition to the various
cuts to Medi-Cal eligibility, retention, benefits, and provider rates.
Advocates for the uninsured testifying included Health Access California,
Western Center on Law and Poverty, Congress of California Seniors, CA
Immigrant Welfare Collaborative, National Council of La Raza, CA Primary
Care Association, CA Association of Public Hospitals, Children's Defense
Fund and 100% Campaign, Protection & Advocacy, CA Catholic Conference, Older
Women's League and Gray Panthers, and others, including many organizations
representing counties and providers. While Senator Chesbro did express his
"serious concerns" as chair of the committee, no action was taken on the
cuts at this time. The committee's analysis, which comprehensively reviews
the issues discussed, can be downloaded at
http://www.senate.ca.gov/ftp/SEN/COMMITTEE/STANDING/BFR/_home/Agendas.htp#3

* ATTACHED is a one-page Health Access flyer that describes the impact of
the proposed Medi-Cal cuts, including the number of people who will be
denied needed care, and the economic impact as well.

* MEDI-CAL LOBBY DAY: On Wednesday, March 26th, an informal grouping of a
dozen advocacy organizations will be holding a Sacramento-based lobby day to
educate legislative staffers about the impact of the Medi-Cal cuts. This is
the second of a series of lobby days to explain the specifics of the
Medi-Cal budget cuts to a broad number of legislative offices, and is
sponsored by California Immigrant Welfare Collaborative, National Council of
La Raza, Health Access California, California Primary Care Association,
MALDEF, and others. Other advocates for the uninsured are invited to join us
in this education effort for the day; please contact: Anthony Wright, at
awright@health-access.org, or 916-442-2308.

* FEDERAL FIGHT FOR FUNDS: The federal budget picture provides possibilities
for needed help and additional cuts.
* The House of Representatives passed a budget resolution on March 20th
that included severe cuts to health care($93 billion over 10 years from
Medicaid and $2 billion from SCHIP). The cuts are due to the inclusion of
President Bush's huge, $726 billion tax cut package. The Senate is expected
to vote on Wednesday on a budget resolution that calls for a $626 billion
tax cut, despite unmet health care needs and growing projected deficits. The
Senate is not contemplating the health cuts, but the two houses must
reconcile their budgets in the next month or so. To oppose the proposed
federal tax cut that would devastate health and other vital services, get
information and sign up at the Coalition website at www.fairtaxes4all.org
* Also late last week, the Senate passed the
Rockefeller-Collins-Nelson-Smith resolution with a overwhelming vote of
80-19, which would direct signficant aid to states, including half or more
for Medicaid matching funds. While this "Sense of the Senate" resolution is
not binding, it provides some hope for immediate federal help in
California's budget crisis. More information to come.

--
Anthony E. Wright
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org

Labels: Updates

posted by Anthony Wright | Permalink | 9:46 PM


 

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

HEALTH ACCESS UPDATE
Tuesday, March 18, 2003

ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE PASSES KEY BILLS
On Hospital Overcharging, Prescription Drug Marketing, Etc.

The Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Dario Frommer, has recently passed noteworthy legislation that would help health care consumers, both the insured and the uninsured. These bills now head to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

* HOSPITAL OVERBILLING: On Tuesday, the Assembly Health Committee, passed AB232, to provide consumer protections for self-pay hospital patients. Remarkably, the initial vote was bipartisan and unanimous, 17-0, despite some hospital opposition. Authored by Assemblywoman Wilma Chan and sponsored by Health Access California, with strong support from Consumers Union, Western Center on Law and Poverty, and other organizations, the bill would ensure that patients are informed of their consumer rights and financial options; that they are given time before being sent to collections; and that most patients--up to certain income levels--are not overcharged beyond the rates of Medi-Cal, Medicare, or worker's compensation. As part of this campaign, Health Access is starting a weekly flyer, through the legislative year, the "Uninsured and Overcharged Patient of the Week." The first edition is ATTACHED.

* PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: The Assembly Health Committee also passed another important bill, AB103 (Reyes), that would require pharmaceutical manufacturers to disclose information about gifts and other marketing expenses directed to health care providers. Actively supported by a broad range of groups, including the California Labor Federation, CalPIRG, Congress of California Seniors, Older Women's League, and others, the bill just passed, with Democrats generally voting for the measure and Republicans voting against it. Democratic Assemblymembers Chavez, Nakano, and Wolk listened to testimony but did not vote.

* CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN HMOs: Two weeks ago, on March 4th, the Assembly Health Committee passed AB 154 (Chan), which would require health plans in the Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs to submit annual reports regarding the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services. With support from a range of organizations representing consumers and communities of color, the bill squeaked by, 13-9, with Democrats largely in support, and Republicans opposing the bill, with Assemblymembers Richman, Pacheco, Bates, and Haynes speaking against it.

* BUDGET REVIEW: On Monday, March 17th, the Assembly Health Committee sponsored a joint hearing with the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Assemblywoman Judy Chu, to review the cuts to Medi-Cal eligibility and retention. For three and a half hours in the evening, the committee grilled Administration officials about proposed cuts that would serve to deny basic health coverage to over a million Californians. Several organizations testified about the potential effects of quarterly status reports, eligibility cuts to the 1931b, aged and disabled, and transitional Medi-Cal programs, and the new efforts at county administrative oversight designed to have more people fall off health coverage. No votes were taken.

The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Senator Wes Chesbro, will also consider Medi-Cal cuts, next week. The hearing is on Monday, March 24th at 1:30pm, at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

ATTACHED is an updated Health Advocacy Calendar with that hearing and other events of note for advocates for the uninsured.

--
Anthony E. Wright
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org

Labels: Updates

posted by Anthony Wright | Permalink | 8:52 PM


 

Thursday, March 13, 2003

HEALTH ACCESS UPDATE
Thursday, March 13th, 2003

* MID-YEAR BUDGET CUTS: Pending passage from the legislature, Governor Davis is soon expected to sign a package of mid-year reduction cuts in education, social services, and other areas. The package includes cuts to health care outreach, including the training of those who assist Medi-Cal applicants with getting coverage.

This mid-year package does not include many of the proposed mid-year cuts to Medi-Cal, that would impact eligibility, benefits, and reimbursement rates. The package does not include vehicle license fee restoration, which is expected to be "triggered" administratively later in the year. More to come.

* UPCOMING EVENTS IN SACRAMENTO NEXT WEEK: As always, committee hearings are subject to change...

* Mon. March 17th: BUDGET HEARING: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services, chaired by Assemblywoman Judy Chu, with Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Dario Frommer. The committees will hear testimony on a range of proposed Medi-Cal cuts. This includes the cuts that would deny basic health coverage to over a million Californians, through eligibility and retention restrictions. 6:00pm. State Capitol, Sacramento.

* Tue. March 18th: RALLY: “Taking on the Health Care Crisis,” sponsored by the California Labor Federation, with Senate President John Burton. 12 Noon. Outside the State Capitol, Sacramento. ATTACHED is a flyer.

* Tue. March 18th: POLICY HEARING: Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Dario Frommer, will consider various health bills. These include: AB232 (Chan) to provide consumer protections for self-pay hospital patients; AB103 (Reyes) to disclose drug company marketing expenses and gifts to health providers; and other legislation. 1:30pm. State Capitol, Sacramento.

--
Anthony E. Wright
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org

Labels: Updates

posted by Anthony Wright | Permalink | 10:15 PM


 

Health Access ALERT
Tuesday, March 11th, 2003


ACTION ALERT: CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR SELF-PAY PATIENTS

Next week, the Assembly Health Committee will consider an important measure to help uninsured families get the hospital care they need without facing financial ruin.

AB232, authored by Assemblywoman Wilma Chan and sponsored by Health Access California, sets consumer protections for self-pay patients when they go to California hospitals for care. The bill requires that uninsured patients:
* are given notice about their consumer rights and financial options when seeking hospital care;
* have the ability to check to see if they are eligible for public health insurance programs or the hospital's charity care policy;
* are not overcharged beyond the rates set for public insurance programs, specifically Medicare, Medicaid, or worker's compensation; and
* are protected from having their bills being prematurely sent to collections, which can ruin a family's financial future.

As a result of revelations about their billing practices, the Tenet hospital chain recently agreed, in principle, to stop their practice of overcharging self-pay patients. In many cases, the hospital charged uninsured patients multiple times what an insurance company would pay for the same treatment. This legislation would provide consumer protections to prevent this and other problems that self-pay patients encounter. Recent studies on the resulting medical debt and its impacts can be found at http://www.accessproject.org/publications.htm

HEARING: The bill will be heard in the Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Dario Frommer, on TUESDAY, MARCH 18TH at 1:30PM, in Room 4203 of the Capitol. WE NEED ORGANIZATIONS TO ATTEND AND TESTIFY IN SUPPORT.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT LETTERS NEED TO BE RECEIVED by the author ASAP. Attached is a fact sheet and two sample letters. Letters should go to:

The Honorable Wilma Chan
Assemblywoman
Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-319-2116

Letters can also be copied to Health Access (contact info below) and to:

The Honorable Dario Frommer
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-319-2143

Thank you for your consideration.

--
Anthony E. Wright
Executive Director
Health Access
1127 11th St., #234, Sacramento, CA 95814
Ph: 916-442-2308, Fx: 916-497-0921
awright@health-access.org

Labels: Updates

posted by Anthony Wright | Permalink | 10:14 PM


 

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