Governor Newsom vetoed AB 3129 (Wood) that would have given Attorney General oversight on certain private equity acquisitions that may be harmful to patients SACRAMENTO, CA – Health care corporations have used their undue influence to yet again put patients in harm’s way by allowing bad actors to continue to interfere in our health care […]
As Congress considers making federal premium subsidies permanent, CA health advocates issue new reports on impacts by congressional district and region Reports also highlight what is at risk if the federal subsidies aren’t extended in the Central Valley and Riverside County, along with health impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Affordable Care Act […]
Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the departure of HHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly after serving for over five years in the role and overseeing many major health care reforms SACRAMENTO, CA – Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition, today praised the leadership of California’s Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark […]
AB 3129 (Wood) protect patients by giving the Attorney General oversight on certain private equity acquisitions in our health care system SACRAMENTO, CA – As private equity in our health care system grows, the California Legislature voted on Saturday to pass AB 3129 by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Jim Wood to put more oversight on […]
Regardless of the 7.9% average premium increase for 2025 plans announced today by Covered California, the Inflation Reduction Act caps premiums at 8.5% of income, and even less for lower incomes. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) along with state investments, have continued to significantly reduce costs for nearly all 1.7 million Covered California […]
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 […]
Amanda McAllister-Wallner began serving as Interim Executive Director for Health Access California this week, taking over for longtime leader Anthony Wright who was named the new Executive Director of Families USA McAllister-Wallner has served eight years at Health Access, including as Deputy Director since 2021. She will continue our consumer advocacy campaigns at both the […]
The 2024-2025 state budget agreement announced between the State Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom rejects most harmful health care cuts proposed in the May Revision. Agreement will ensure that thousands of undocumented Californians continue to receive their IHSS benefits, funding is preserved for the Indian Health Program, Medi-Cal benefits will be maintained at their current […]
SACRAMENTO, CA – Below is a statement from Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition, on today’s passage of the legislative version of the 2024-2025 state budget. “Health, consumer and community advocates applaud our state legislative leaders for voting on a budget that protects vital health care services for millions of Californians,” […]
AB 3129 (Wood) would protect patients by giving the Attorney General oversight on private equity acquisitions in our health care system SACRAMENTO, CA – To oversee the increasing concern of private equity firms taking over health care providers, the California State Assembly voted to pass AB 3129 by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Jim Wood. The […]
Due to the state budget deficit, Governor Newsom’s Revised 2024-25 Budget includes proposed health cuts that would prevent Californians from getting needed care. Thousands of Californians with disabilities will have home care services cut off due to their immigration status, resulting in further impoverishment and/or more expensive nursing homes. Millions of Californians on Medi-Cal may […]
SACRAMENTO, CA – Below is a statement from Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition, in response to the final rule issued today by President Biden to designate all with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) immigration status as “lawfully present”, therefore giving them full access to health care coverage through ACA […]
In a big win for consumers facing ever-growing health care cost burdens, the Board of the Office of Health Care Affordability voted today to set a 3% health care cost growth spending target over five years, with a phase-in starting at 3.5% in 2025. SACRAMENTO, CA – After a long debate, the board of California’s […]
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Media Contacts: Rachel Linn Gish, Health Access California Communications Director, rlinngish@health-access.org Ed Sifuentes, CIPC Communications Director, esifuentes@caimmigrant.org SACRAMENTO – The #Health4All coalition rallied yesterday at the State Capitol for a more inclusive, universal health care system for ALL Californians, regardless of immigration status. While historic gains have been made in removing […]
As Executive Director of Health Access California for 22 years, Anthony Wright led the organization to win dozens of health reforms, coverage expansions, patient protections, public health investments, cost containment efforts and more, including the biggest drop of the uninsured rate of all 50 states following the passage of the Affordable Care Act. SACRAMENTO, CA […]
Thirteen CA proposals announced today to get California to a more universal, accessible, and equitable health system, as soon as possible SACRAMENTO, CA – Today health care advocates gathered with legislative champions at the State Capitol to highlight important health reform bills in the 2024 legislative session. The thirteen bills and budget items featured as […]
AB 236 (Holden), which seeks to improve the accuracy of health plan provider directories for consumers, now heads to the California Senate. ***Impacted consumer stories available upon request*** SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California State Assembly passed AB 236 by Assemblymember Chris Holden, which will ensure accurate health plan provider directories, and help consumers […]
Health and consumer advocates praise new staff recommendations of the Office of Health Care Affordability to set a statewide health growth target at 3% OHCA’s Health Care Affordability Board to make final decision in coming months SACRAMENTO, CA – California’s ambitious effort to rein in the skyrocketing cost of care enters a new phase this […]
Despite a deficit, the 2024-2025 state budget proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom continues key commitments in health care, particularly in Medi-Cal with improvements in rates and access, benefits, quality and equity, and eligibility, and keeping Medi-Cal available for all income-eligible Californians regardless of age or immigration status. As Californians face rising cost-of-living pressures, and higher […]
Today marks the start of the 11th open enrollment period of Covered California and the most affordable year ever for enrollees, with new, significant state and federal financial assistance available. The Inflation Reduction Act continues major premium assistance for the nearly 2 million Californians in Covered California through 2025. Funding included in this year’s state […]