By the way, did you ever wonder why Orange Country created Caloptima? I have a theory, caloptima contracts with stakeholers like Choc Health Alliance, who are not covered by the Publics Records Act!

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of a new report highlighting the benefits of health insurance reform for California. Health Insurance Reform and California: The Case for Change is available now at http://www.HealthReform.gov.

“Families, seniors and businesses are all suffering under the health care status quo,” said Sebelius. “Our new reports demonstrate how health insurance reform will improve health care for all Americans.”

The report provides specific details on the benefits of reform for California. Under health insurance reform in California:

7.3 million residents who do not currently have insurance and 2.7 million residents who have nongroup insurance could get affordable coverage through the health insurance exchange.
3.8 million residents could qualify for premium tax credits to help them purchase health coverage.
4.5 million seniors would receive free preventive services.
794,000 seniors would have their brand-name drug costs in the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” halved.
392,000 small businesses could be helped by a small business tax credit to make premiums more affordable.

The report also notes that if we do nothing, by 2019 the number of uninsured people will grow by more than 30 percent in 29 states and by at least 10 percent in every state. Without reform, the amount of uncompensated care provided will more than double in 45 states. Additionally, businesses in 27 states will see their premiums more than double and fewer people will have coverage through an employer if the status quo continues.

To read the complete report and learn more about health insurance reform visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.

*more from the Secretary