Welcome
Health Access is the leading voice for health care consumers in California.
Founded in 1987, Health Access is the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition advocating for quality, affordable health care for all Californians. Our Agenda in 2010 and beyond includes:
- Preserving access to care - Fighting budget cuts to deny care and coverage to Californians;
- Providing consumer protections - Working to protect consumers against medical debt and abusive practices by insurers, providers, and others in the health care industry; and
- Expanding coverage and winning comprehensive health reform - Organizing for quality, affordable coverage for all, at both the state and federal level.
Fulfilling the Promise: Implementing and Improving Health Reform in California - A list of health consumer bills currently in the California State Legislature that are intended to implement and improve certain provisions in the federal health reform law and prepare the state for other provisions contained in the law. (Updated - August 23, 2010)
Health Reform 3 Month Status Report: Californians Begin to See the Benefits; Much More to Do to Fulfill Its Promise - A new report highlighting benefits already in place, additional benefits coming online this year, and efforts to continue implementing and improving health reform in California. (June 21, 2010)
Federal Health Reform: What Does it Mean for You, Your Family, and California
- A PowerPoint presentation that explains the content of federal health care reform and how it will affect California. (Updated - April 10, 2010)
California Consumer Update: New Rights to Timely Access to Care (January 18, 2010)
STATE BUDGET:
California Budget Seeks To Limit Access to Health Care - Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed 2010-11 budget proposes a 6.3% cut to health and human services, on top of continuing cuts from previous years and despite increased demand. (May 19, 2010)
Cuts to Health Care Are Bad for California's Economy: Proposed Health Cuts Would Eliminate At Least 42,000 Jobs - A report showing how Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts of $6.4 billion to California's health and human services systems, will have a negative impact on the state's economy. (March 24, 2010)
DAMAGE ALREADY DONE: A Report on the 2009 Health Care Budget Cuts Six Months In - An impact analysis showing that just six months after severe cuts in spending on public health programs went into effect, millions of Californians hurt by the recession are being denied the basic services they need now more than ever. (January 7, 2010)
