Movement in Health Care Reform in California and Nevada
President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law in March 2010... so what now?
California
The California Legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger have begun creating the infrastructure to enact this historical law right here in California. Here are some key points that are already happening:
- June 29, 2010 Governor Schwarzenegger signed two bills into law (AB 1887 and SB 227) that would have California implement the Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Program (PCIP), also know as the temporary federal high risk pool
- California's goal for implementing the new federal high risk pool is to begin accepting applications by August 2010 with the first effective date of coverage beginning in September 2010
- Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage program participants will receive $250 rebate checks if they are currently in the coverage gap or "donut hole". There are approximately 382,000 Californians that will receive such checks (Health Access, Health Reform 3 Month Status Report)
- Over 8 million Californians will keep their Medi-Cal or Healthy Families coverage due to the required "maintenance of effort" in the federal law (Health Access, Health Reform 3 Month Status Report)
Governor Schwarzenegger signed approximately a half-dozen bills passed by the California Legislature bringing California into compliance for health care reform and preparing the state to receive federal funds to create reform in the near future. Click here for a 6 month report on health care reform in California by Health Access.
Nevada
Even though Nevada is one of a handful of states that is challenging the health care reform law, the Governor and Nevada Legislature are planning for its implementation. The Southern California and Nevada Chapter will continue to fight for the health care reform provisions that resonate with people living with MS in Nevada. Click here for how health care reform, in its current state, helps people in Nevada.
Health Care Reform Resources:
The National MS Society, Government Affairs and Advocacy/Update on Health Care Reform
Insurance Provisions of the Affordable Care Act: An Implementation Timeline for California- California Healthcare Foundation
The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation website on health care reform
Healthcare.gov-a federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board-Oversees the temporary federal high risk pool