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Coalition to support a California healthcare planGroups with a stake in universal access will back Schwarzenegger's goal if not his exact proposal. Jordan Rau Los Angeles Times February 6, 2007 SACRAMENTO In a boost to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political priority for the year, some of the biggest players in the state's healthcare industry have agreed to commit millions of dollars to a campaign for universal healthcare access. The yet-unnamed alliance, which plans to announce its creation today, includes a labor giant, the Service Employees International Union; the state's largest doctors lobby, the California Medical Assn.; the state's biggest nonprofit hospital chain, Catholic Healthcare West; and three major insurers: Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California and Health Net. "For the first time ever, the major players are not in their bunkers throwing grenades at each other," said Joe Dunn, chief executive of the California Medical Assn. "Everyone is coming together in a sincere effort to work out a plan for reforming medicine in California in a way that works to improve patients' ability to be treated by their doctor." The coalition's members have not agreed to support all elements of any
plan that emerges from negotiations with Schwarzenegger and the Legislature,
and in fact several have expressed concerns about the governor's proposal.
Press Release from Coalition: For Immediate Release: Doctors, hospitals, healthcare workers and insurers announce coalition to support comprehensive healthcare reform in California Group will campaign for comprehensive health reform in 2007
“This coalition is committed to making 2007 a historic year in healthcare reform,” said Sal Rosselli, President of SEIU State Council representing over 650,000 members including over 200,000 health care workers in hospitals, nursing homes and homecare. “The bold proposals made by the governor and legislative leaders create an extraordinary opportunity to fix what’s wrong with our health care and protect the benefits of those who are currently insured. The stars are all aligned for getting something done. While it will take a lot of collaboration and some compromise, nothing should get in the way of making health care affordable and available to every Californian when they need it.” “Doctors and patients throughout the state are increasingly concerned about the condition of our healthcare system. It has been neglected far too long. This coalition, representing very different interests, coming together is a sign of the depth and degree of support for reform,” said Dr. Anmol Mahal, M.D., President of the California Medical Association. “Time is a very precious resource in correcting ailments and we must recognize that California’s need for a health care remedy is long overdue.” While the coalition members have concerns about some specific elements of the reform proposals, they pledged to work with the governor, legislature and each other to find the common ground that will enable comprehensive reform to be enacted this year. The CEOs of the three health plans involved in the coalition – George Halvorson of Kaiser Permanente, Jay Gellert of Health Net and Bruce Bodaken of Blue Shield – pledge their support for this effort. “The time to improve health care for Californians is now,” said Lloyd Dean, President/CEO of Catholic Healthcare West, the largest not-for-profit hospital provider in the state. “While there are many details that will need attention, we cannot lose this opportunity to achieve comprehensive reform in 2007.” The coalition will work together on three fronts: policy, lobbying and communications. Jointly and individually, coalition members will undertake public awareness as well as paid media efforts in support of major reform legislation this year. Coalition members are also actively seeking to expand their group to include businesses, other unions and organizations outside the healthcare industry. -30- For more information, contact: California Medical Association SEIU Blue Shield of California Kaiser Permanente Catholic Healthcare West Health Net
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