JMCSCalifornia Politics Despite the existing programs for health care in California, many residents are still left without adequate health care coverage. It is important for each family to have a necessary health care plan because of the costly charges of medical bills. Without adequate coverage plans, an unexpected life event can put a family in the face of financial debts or even bankruptcy. Though most employers will offer plans in regards toward health care for their employees, some workers may find that these plans are not affordable to each individual, ultimately leaving them in deprivation of the right health care that they or their family needs. California does have health care plans available such as Medi-Cal and Coverage California for those who cannot afford the plans offered by employers; however, there are still individuals who still find these programs unaffordable and are left without any health insurance coverages. According to the June 2017 report from the CDC, there are 6.8% of the population in California that are uninsured (Myers, 2018).
In the last recent election of 2018, there were numerous propositions aimed to help those who are still not covered with health insurance. Health care has been a reoccurring issue in the United States and California is just one of those states where many of its residents are still hoping for affordable health care prices. One proposition was SB 562 also known as The Healthy California Act. This bill proposed a single-payer health care system where the funding for all health care finances would come from the federal government. This bill promised universal health care for all of California residents with reduced and affordable costs and better patient care made primarily by health care professionals such as doctors and nurses instead of insurance agencies. This act will be beneficial because California residents won’t have to worry about expensive health care costs or worry that their insurance would not be able to cover medical procedures needed in order to save a life. Unfortunately, SB 562, The Healthy California Act was placed on hold and did not pass during the recent election in 2018 due to the issues of financing. One supporter of the act was a democratic candidate, Gavin Newsom. Another proposition that was brought up during the last election in 2018 in regard to health care was SB 974 also known as the Health4All Elders act. This bill was proposed by Lara. The Health4All Elders act ensures that all undocumented, low income elderly residents in California who are 65 years of age or older be eligible for Medi-Cal. This prop goes to support universal coverage. Not only would they be eligible for Medi-Cal coverages, the undocumented elders would be covered through emergency services, primary and any other preventative care as needed. This act will ensure that elderly undocumented California residents receive the best care instead of living with fear of costly medical bills and being ill. Unfortunately, this prop, SB 974 was also failed in the election of 2018. The act AB 2965, also known as Health4All Young Adults was proposed by Arambula. This was also a proposition that was brought up in regard to California health care during the 2018 elections. Health4All Young Adults act ensured that undocumented young adults living in California within the ages of 19 to 25 be eligible for Medi-Cal coverages. Similar to the Health4All Elders act, this proposition ensures the same coverage for undocumented residents but aimed towards younger adults who were ineligible to qualify for health insurance due to their immigration status. It is another step towards universal coverage for the state of California and its residents. Unfortunately, like the other bill, the proposition Health4All Young Adults was also a failure in the 2018 elections. These propositions were all denied due to California’s budget. California is a state of many cultures and diversity. Amongst the residents, there are still many who are undocumented immigrants. Due to the failure of these proposals, those that are impacted the most are the undocumented residents in California. Another group that are impacted are those who do not make enough to afford health care. Without affordable prices, individuals are still left without health care coverage in California. Residents who don’t qualify for health services such as Medi-Cal, are living in fear of becoming ill or injured in hopes to avoid any financial situations. Propositions in the matter of health care coverage will always be an upcoming issue in the United States as long as there are still residents that are left uncovered. California is just one of the states where its residents are living without proper health care coverage or are over paying for coverage without getting the proper care that is needed. As long as there is no change with the policies in California’s health system, those who are affected will continue to propose acts to change the future in ensuring that all of California will have access to health care.
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AuthorUndergraduate student generated content. Blog posting and updating done by Kristina Flores Victor, Assistant Professor of Political Science at CSUS Archives
March 2020
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