Category: COVID-19

Affordable Care Act, Appreciation, COVID-19, Federal, Health Reform, Prescription Drugs

Statement from Health Access on President Biden Not Seeking Re-Election

SACRAMENTO, CA – Health Access California, the statewide health care advocacy coalition, issued the following statement on the announcement today that president Joe Biden will not seek re-election. “Millions of Californians have health care coverage thanks to the leadership of Joe Biden both as President and serving as Vice President with President Obama. President Biden led our […]

Affordability, Affordable Care Act, COVID-19, Equity, Expanding Coverage, Medi-Cal

2021 Year In Review: Major CA Health Reforms to Last Even Beyond the Pandemic

Despite the ongoing challenges through the pandemic, this was a major year of health reform in California. Health Access was proud to champion and collaborate on a number of historic investments in the state budget and reforms through legislation in 2021—victories that provided new coverage to hundreds of thousands, and new financial assistance to many […]

Affordability, COVID-19, Federal, Under-insured

Another Low Rate Increase for 2022 Covered California Health Premiums New Federal & State Aid Means Even Lower Premiums for Most Covered California Consumers

Following a year that has seen the greatest investment in the Affordable Care Act since the law took effect, Covered California, the state’s health care insurance marketplace, today announced its third straight year of minimal premium rate increases.

In fact, earlier this year, virtually all in Covered California saw reductions in their premiums through federal subsidies, which will continue in 2022. Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Biden Administration took action to increase subsides for those who purchase health care on their own via the marketplace, capping premiums to 8.5% of income across the board – and much lower for middle and lower income consumers. These actions, along with state affordability assistance, have significantly reduced costs for the nearly 1.6 million enrollees in Covered California, leading to higher enrollment and a more stable market.

Affordability, Affordable Care Act, Care4AllCA, Consumer Protection, COVID-19, Economy, Equity, Expanding Coverage, Federal, Gov. Brown, Health Reform, Health4All, Insurers, Legislation, Medi-Cal, Research, Single Payer, Uncategorized, Undocumented

2021-22 CA Budget Takes Major Steps to a More Universal & Equitable Health Care System

The State Legislature passed the final 2021-2022 health budget bill (AB 133) that includes historic investments in expanding and improving health coverage for millions of Californians. It now goes to Governor Newsom for his final signature in the coming days. Many of the proposals included in this budget bill were key priorities of the Care4All California coalition of over […]

Affordable Care Act, Consumer Protection, COVID-19, Supreme Court, Under-insured, Uninsured

Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act Keeping in Place Coverage for Millions of Californians

In a huge victory for Americans and Californians, the U.S. Supreme Court today issued a 7-2 ruling in California v. Texas that keeps the Affordable Care Act (ACA) intact for the over 30 million Americans and 5 million Californians who rely on it’s protections and financial assistance. The Court found that the plaintiffs who sought to overturn the law lacked the standing to challenge it in the first place. 

Affordability, Budget, Consumer Protection, Covered California, COVID-19, Economy, Equity, Expanding Coverage, Gov. Newsom, Health Reform, Health4All, Legislation, LGBT, Medi-Cal, Prevention, Quality, Undocumented

California Legislature Passes Their 2021 – 2022 Budget with Steps Towards A More Universal Health Care System. Deal On Final Budget Must Still Be Reached With Governor Newsom.

Yesterday, the California State Assembly and State Senate voted to pass a 2021-2022 state budget that includes funding for a more universal, equitable, and affordable, health care system. While the Legislature is in agreement on this version of the budget, negotiations continue with Governor Newsom on a final deal. On June 1, the state legislature […]

Affordability, Budget, Care4AllCA, Cost Containment, Covered California, COVID-19, Economy, Expanding Coverage, Gov. Newsom, Health4All, Medi-Cal, Undocumented

CA Governor Newsom’s May Budget: Key Health Takeaways

On Friday, May 14th 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled the 2021-22 May Revision of the state budget, which includes some important investments to improve and expand our health care system, but also missed major opportunities for further expansion and improvement, especially given the size of the surplus. This budget recognizes that our health system is […]

Affordable Care Act, Budget, COVID-19, Expanding Coverage, Federal, Health Reform, Uninsured

California Health Advocates Praise Federal Federal COVID-19 Relief Bill on ACA Affordability Assistance

California consumer and health advocates hailed the current COVID-19 relief package that passed the Senate this weekend for its historic investments in health care coverage and accessibility and urged its final passage in the House of Representatives. The package includes significant funding for vaccine distribution, direct income support to families, and aid to state and […]

Affordability, Affordable Care Act, Covered California, COVID-19, Federal

CA Advocates Praise Federal Bill on ACA Affordability Assistance, Urge State Action

California consumer and health advocates hailed the current COVID-19 relief package that passed the Senate this weekend for its historic investments in health care coverage and accessibility, and urged its final passage in the House of Representatives.

The package includes significant funding for vaccine distribution, direct income support to families, and aid to state and local governments that will assist in providing health and human services. Most notably, the federal bill provides historic financial assistance to help millions of Americans afford health coverage in the midst of this pandemic, ensuring that no American will pay more than 8.5% of their income on health care coverage.