Comprehensive Health Care Bill before Senate Health Committee

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) presented AB 1X before the Senate Health Committee today. AB 1X, co-authored by Speaker Núñez and Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland), is the result of over a year of negotiations between legislative leaders, the Governor, and leading labor, business, health care, and community groups. It requires most Californians to acquire insurance but includes extensive affordability and cost-containment language and allows exemptions for those with a financial hardship. The bill also covers all children. Speaker Núñez told the Senate Health Committee. "AB 1X vastly improves the state of health care in California." The Senate Health Committee is expected to vote on AB1X on Monday the 28th.