by Suzanne Potter
Groups advocating for better access to health care have introduced what they call “Care4All California,” a package of 13 bills designed to shore up the health system as the state braces for the possibility of huge cuts in federal funding for Medi-Cal.
The bills aim to get more people insured, connect them to care and make health care more affordable.
Chris Noble, organizing director for the nonprofit Health Access California, explained the group’s priorities.
“It’s crucial that our State Legislature shows their commitment to advancing a universal, affordable and equitable health care system,” Noble emphasized. “This year’s package of legislative and budget priorities requires no interventions by the federal government and should be adopted to safeguard our health care system in case there are federal attacks.”
One bill would make sure people with Medicare supplemental insurance cannot be penalized for having preexisting conditions. Another would require hospitals to prescreen all patients to see if they are eligible for discounted or charity care programs. A third bill would allow undocumented people access to health plans on the CoveredCA exchange. Opponents cited cost concerns.
Noble emphasized the bills build on the progress California has made to lower its uninsured rate.
“These priorities will continue to cover gaps within our health care system, ensure that when people are denied or delayed care, there’s certain accountability, or ensure that folks are getting access to accurate and up-to-date provider directories,” Noble outlined.
Advocates have also made a number of budget requests, including one to give kids who qualify for Medi-Cal continuous coverage from birth to age 5, rather than making their parents reapply every year.
Sungold Solar
Congress considers rolling back CA clean car standards
New study details gas savings with electric vehicles
Congress on Wednesday is expected to vote on a bill that would roll back California’s authority to set strict clean car and truck standards.
Republicans want to strike down the Biden-era waiver that allows California’s emissions rules, which require all new passenger cars sold in the state to be emissions-free by 2035. Bill supporters argue the California rule hurts the sales of gas-powered vehicles.
Rob Sargent, program director for the nonprofit advocacy group Coltura, noted that President Donald Trump also wants to revoke tax credits that help people afford electric vehicles.
“The biggest potential beneficiaries of these tax credits for new and used vehicles are really the backbone of America,” Sargent said. “They’re contractors driving 150 miles daily between job sites, rural drivers, tradespeople, and working families who live where housing is more affordable, and jobs are further away.”
People who use more gas than the average driver are called “gas super-users.” A new study from Coltura found that California’s 2.2 million super-users spend more than 15 percent of their household income on gasoline and make up 34 percent of the state’s gasoline use, so they would benefit most from an electric vehicle.
Sargent said the Trump administration’s anti-EV policies are bad for California drivers and go against efforts to cut air pollution.
“If Congress acts to pull the rug out from under those states’ ability to make cars cleaner in their state,” he said, “then it will undercut the availability of electric vehicles for consumers.”
The report also looked at data from California’s Central Valley near Visalia. In that area, super-users would save an average of almost $5,000 annually on fuel by switching to an EV.
