Opinion: Calif. Should Lead in Creating Basic Health Plan
Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) has introduced a bill (SB 703) that would help California "lead the nation in the offering of the basic health program option," John Ramey -- executive director of Local Health Plans of California -- writes in a Capitol Weekly opinion piece. Ramey notes that the low-cost basic health insurance plan would serve as an alternative to the statewide health insurance exchange established under the federal health reform law. He continues, "Putting a basic health plan into place now -- as opposed to waiting years after the exchange is up and running -- would put the state in a strong position to provide health care to a population that needs it most."
- "With Basic Health Care Plan, California Could Lead in Health Care Reform" (Ramey, Capitol Weekly, 8/1).