CA Lawmakers Chip in for National Health Care Reform
California lawmakers have advanced several bills that would help the state implement national health care reform.
On Tuesday the state Senate narrowly approved two bills to set up an insurance exchange that would allow people to shop for health insurance. The exchange would let people compare insurance plans and buy coverage through a consumer-friendly website.
Republicans who opposed the bills say they could create unaccountable bureaucracy.
One bill, SB900, now goes to the governor for his review. A companion bill, AB1602, returns to the Assembly for final action.
Also on Tuesday the Assembly approved AB2345, a bill that would prohibit insurance companies from charging an additional co-pay for insured patients getting preventive care such as mammograms and cancer screenings.
