The first round of bills to implement state programs related to federal health care reform are moving through the Legislature. Two bills establishing the Federal Temporary High Risk Pool Program to draw down federal funding for state high-risk pools (SB 227 and AB 1887) moved swiftly through the process and were signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in late June. The California Medical Association (CMA) strongly supported both bills.

Two bills that will establish California’s health insurance exchange (AB 1602 and SB 900) are also moving along and are waiting to be heard in fiscal committees. CMA is closely monitoring these bills and will be working with legislative leaders on amendments to ensure that the health insurance exchange functions well for patients and physicians.

For more information on these and other bills of interest to physicians, see CMA’s Legislative Hot List.

Contact: Michelle Chapanian, 916/551-2054 or mchapanian@cmanet.org.