BILL NUMBER: AB 53	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Dymally

                        DECEMBER 4, 2006

   An act relating to health care coverage.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 53, as introduced, Dymally. Health care coverage.
   Existing law does not provide a system of universal health care
coverage for California residents. Existing law provides for the
creation of various programs to provide health care services to
persons who have limited incomes and meet various eligibility
requirements. These programs include the Healthy Families Program
administered by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board and the
Medi-Cal program administered by the State Department of Health Care
Services. Existing law provides for the regulation of health care
service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care and health
insurers by the Department of Insurance.
   This bill would declare the intent of the Legislature to enact
legislation that would, among other things, provide universal health
care coverage to all Californians, regardless of age, income,
employment, or health status.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  It is the intent of the Legislature to enact
legislation to accomplish the following:
   (a) Provide universal health care coverage to all Californians,
regardless of age, income, employment, or health status.
   (b) Ensure adequate access to quality comprehensive services for
all Californians with contributions from both employers and
individuals, based on ability to pay.
   (c) Provide affordable health care coverage, including any premium
and out-of-pocket costs, providing adequate subsidies for low income
individuals as necessary, and eliminating the potential for medical
bankruptcies.
   (d) Preserve and incorporate safety net providers, including
public and nonprofit clinics and public hospitals, protecting their
ability to offer culturally competent services in disenfranchised
communities and to address health disparities among low-income and
minority communities.
   (e) Establish electronic health records and personal health
records that are compatible across systems on a statewide basis.
   (f) Provide adequate flexibility at the county level for locally
developed and locally specific health care systems, services, and
programs.
   (g) Incorporate effective quality improvement and cost containment
strategies and accountability, including incentives for low-cost,
high quality care and services.