Schwarzenegger unveils $12B universal health plan

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has revealed a $12 billion plan designed to fix the state's "broken healthcare system" by addressing the hidden costs that result in billions of dollars in higher premiums and taxes. The plan requires that the state's 6.5 million uninsured residents purchase health insurance. Observers say Schwarzenegger's plan is even more daring than the high-profile effort undertaken by Massachusetts. While both states will require that residents purchase coverage, California has a higher rate of poor and uninsured, making it more difficult to roll out the program. ""Everyone in California must have health insurance. If you can't afford it, the state will help you buy it, but you must be insured," said the Governor in a teleconference.

The Governor's plan takes a three-pronged approach to state healthcare reform: Prevention and wellness, mandatory health coverage, and affordability and cost containment. Though many are pleased with Schwarzenegger's efforts, doctors, hospitals, insurers and employers--those most affected by the new requirements--are already identifying problems with the governor's plan. Expect the debate to rage on as California negotiates its way through universal healthcare. For full details on the plan, check out the website at http://www.gov.ca.gov/.

For more on California's universal healthcare plan:
- check out the Governor's press release
- read this article from the L.A. Times

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