The Governor and State Legislature have both made health care reform a priority. You will find the status of the Governor and Legislature's efforts at CalHealthReform.org -- an excellent source of up-to-date information on the major proposals, analyses, hearings, and news.
A majority of Californians get health care from employers but many do not have access to employer-sponsored programs. Seniors can use Medicare. Many low-income persons obtain health care services through the Medi-Cal Program, the Healthy Families Program, or other public programs operated by the state and county governments. About 5% purchase health insurance for themselves. About one of every five Californians uses Medi-Cal. The federal government pays half and the state budget pays the other half (about $34 billion in 2006-07).
In 2005, an estimated 6.8 million Californians under 65 years old (21%) lacked health coverage. Uninsured individuals are likely to receive medical assistance from county health care programs or through the charitable activities of health care providers or pay for it themselves. Surveys indicate that four out of five uninsured are either employed or are family members of someone who is working.
Health care inflation has been more than twice as high as overall inflation in most recent years. Experts say the main reasons are the high costs of prescription drugs, longer life expectancy and increased incidence of chronic diseases.
Additional resources
You may have different issues with health care than the ones above. Here are additional resources to help you shape and share your perspective about health care:
We welcome your suggestions for additional nonpartisan links to help Californians get more informed and engaged with this issue.
Sources: Legislative Analyst’s Office, the California Budget Project, the California Healthcare Foundation, Public Agenda