California Medical Association Calls For Renewed Focus On Health Care Reform

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 01 Nov 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The California Medical Association called for renewed focus on passing health care reform in California, noting the rare convergence of strong gubernatorial and legislative interest in an issue of such magnitude.

an issue of such magnitude. "We have been given a rare opportunity to improve access to health care for millions of Californians," said Richard S. Frankenstein, M.D., president of the CMA. "We are hopeful the governor and the legislature are able to resolve the current impasse and deliver on their promise of health care reform."

Discussions about health care reform have largely centered around issues of payment this year: who will pay for increased coverage and how much additional coverage will be purchased? In testimony before the Assembly Health Committee today, CMA pointed out that this approach can be misleading. Even more important than increased coverage - which can mean little more than increased profits for insurance companies - is increased access to health care.

"Insurance companies don't provide health care; doctors do," said Frankenstein. "The health care discussions which must occur over the next few weeks and months won't mean much if only insurance companies benefit and people don't get better access to their doctors.""

The California Medical Association represents more than 30,000 California physicians, and their patients, in all modes of practice and specialties. The CMA is dedicated to the health of all Californians.

http://www.cmanet.org