California Governor Schwarzenegger Urges Californians to Take Action on Health Care Reform

08/22/2007 -- On the same day a Field Poll announced that more than two-thirds of Californians agree our health care system is broken, hundreds of AARP members rallied at the State Capitol to demand lawmakers deliver health care reform this year. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has put forth a comprehensive health care reform proposal, today urged Californians to speak out on the need for reform.

“We need every one of your voices shouting for health care reform. 6.5 million Californians are uninsured. Coverage is denied to too many people for pre-existing conditions, and people with insurance constantly worry about losing it. Families are one illness or accident away from financial disaster. Costs are skyrocketing for consumers and businesses,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “These are big problems but I know that AARP has never backed down from a big challenge. Together we can create a health care system that brings down costs, insures everyone and is a model for America.”

Governor Schwarzenegger’s health care reforms will help Californians afford quality health care and coverage by:

* helping workers make pre-tax health insurance contributions.
* reducing the hidden tax by giving everyone access to coverage and care, so that the insured no longer pay higher premiums in order to ensure that the uninsured have care.
* requiring that HMOs, insurers and hospitals invest 85% of every dollar in premium and health spending on patient care.
* reducing barriers that keep hospitals and doctors from providing care in the most efficient way.
* promoting balanced financing for health care -- health care reform should not come by requiring employers to pay the entire cost.

To encourage the public dialogue on comprehensive health care reform, Governor Schwarzenegger recently launched a website regarding health care www.FixOurHealthcare.ca.gov. On the website, Californians can share their stories about health care, learn more about the Governor’s comprehensive proposal to fix our broken health care system, take action by contacting elected officials and stay up-to-date on the latest health care reform news.

Source: California Governor

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