Status Report: California 2008 Bills of Interest to Health Advocates

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

• Many health-related bills pass policy committee, head to fiscal committee
• Next steps: Deadline to pass Appropriations is May 23rd
• Deadline to pass full floor vote in the house of origin is May 30th

By Anthony Wright
Executive Director of Health Access California

For those who follow legislation, last week was the deadline for bills that were introduced this year to pass policy committee, in order to move forward in the process this year.

Many bills cleared this hurdle, but some didn't: for example, a bill opposed by consumer advocates to license so-called "discount" health cards died in Senate Health Committee. Other bills passed, but many have a more uncertain fate in Appropriations, where they will be evaluated for their fiscal impact on the state. If they pass that significant hurdle, then they will be considered for a full floor vote in either the Assembly or Senate by the end of May.

BELOW is a list of health consumer bills--it will be updated on the Health Access California website as the session continues.

For every bill, the list includes the bill number (the author) and A SHORT DESCRIPTION IN CAPS: There's also a longer description of the legislation. Health Access California's position on the legislation. And finally, where the legislation is currently pending.

Health Access California Bill List

INSURER REGULATIONS

Insurance Oversight & Market Reforms

• SB 1522 (Steinberg) INSURANCE MARKET STANDARDS: Would sort health insurance policies into five coverage categories, ranging from “comprehensive’’ to “catastrophic.’’ Organization of plans into these categories would enable consumers to better track premium, benefits and cost-sharing, and assist consumers in making apples-to-apples comparisons between plans. Would weed out “junk’’ insurance by developing minimum benefit standards. Health Access California is the sponsor. Support. In Senate Appropriations.

• AB 1554 (Jones) RATE REGULATION: Would regulate insurance rates. Amend. In Senate Health.