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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 8, 2005
For Media Assistance
Sacramento--The PICO California Project and
100% Campaign's sponsored bills, AB 772 (Chan/Frommer/Escutia)
and AB 1199 (Frommer/ Chan) to insure all California children,
passed the Legislature today and have been sent to the Governor
for consideration. AB772 and AB 1199 passed their final Legislative
votes in a decisive manner, and now await the Governor's signature
as the final step in ensuring that health coverage for all
children in California becomes a reality.
The passage of this legislation is a momentous
step, building upon broad and diverse support across the State.
The bills are supported by over a hundred organizations ranging
from businesses, religious, and community leaders, to teachers,
health plans, children's advocates, and health care providers.
The popular support for securing health insurance for California's
children was clear at a Town Hall meeting in April of this
year that brought together 4,200 supporters from across the
State.
AB 772 ensures that every child in California
has access to affordable health insurance through establishing
the California Healthy Kids Insurance program under which
the existing children's health insurance programs-Healthy
Families and Medi-Cal for Children-will operate in a coordinated
and seamless way. The bill envisions a shared solution for
financing health insurance among employers, federal and state
government and families, with families contributing what they
can afford. The bill also makes it easier for kids to enroll
and stay enrolled in health insurance by utilizing technology
and simplifying bureaucratic paperwork. Innovative pilot demonstration
projects will explore solutions for uninsured children in
families with the highest incomes. AB 772 builds on the success
of local children's health initiatives operating or being
developed in 27 counties across the state
As a companion bill to AB 772, AB 1199 (Frommer/Chan)
will create the Children's Health Care Trust Fund as a repository
for public funds and private contributions that would supplement
existing state and federal funds already available for the
California Healthy Kids program.
"These bills are a fiscally responsible
approach to covering all of California's children," said
Deena Lahn of the Children's Defense Fund and the 100% Campaign.
The program is phased-in over three years, allowing for a
gradual ramp-up in costs, with only very modest start-up
costs in the first year. California's children can't afford
to wait.
Comprehensive health insurance for children
is cost-effective. It promotes access to early, less costly
preventive care and treatment. Not surprisingly, it has widespread
public support. Nearly 78% of voters would support a plan
to "ensure that every child in California has health
insurance," according to a recent statewide poll.
"Children's health coverage is a critical
social investment that extends beyond the healthcare arena,"
states Jim Keddy, Executive Director of PICO California, the
sponsoring partner of AB 772. "Children with access
to care have consistently demonstrated more success in school,
and families of insured children avoid the constant risk
of being overwhelmed with a financial burden in catastrophic
medical emergencies. Health coverage for all children is
absolutely the foundation for a healthy and secure future
for our kids."
"California, the most diverse and prosperous
state in the country, could lead the way for other states
and the nation in accomplishing this very significant yet
doable goal for children," said Wendy Lazarus, Co-President
of The Children's Partnership and 100% Campaign. "The
goal is within reach and Californians want it done."
Now that these bills have passed both houses
of the State Legislature, the Governor will have 30 days to
take action on this priority legislation, completing the next
step in making health care a reality for California's children.
The 100% Campaign, a collaborative
effort of Children Now, Children's Defense Fund
and The Children's Partnership, with primary funding
from The California Endowment, was created to ensure
that all of California's children obtain the health
coverage they need to grow up strong and healthy.
The PICO California Project
is the united effort of 20 California congregation-community
organizations affiliated with the PICO National
Network. Collectively, we represent 350 congregations
and 400,000 families statewide and are actively
organizing in over 70 cities in Northern and
Southern California.
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