It’s not quite universal coverage, but assembly Democrats are beginning another major health care push.
Democratic assembly members announced a $1 billion funding package for California’s health care system.
Among what could change — expanding Medi-Cal to cover 114,000 undocumented immigrants between the ages of 19 and 25.
Also, providing a refundable tax credit for people with income between 400 to 600 percent of the federal poverty level.
This could open up refundable tax credits for a family of four making between $104,000 and $150,600.
“We still have the goal of a unified publicly financed health care system in California, but we need to take steps now,” said Asm. Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa).
“We still have 3 million who don’t have access to healthcare.That’s what we’re trying to address with this billion dollar package,” said Asm. David Chiu (D-San Francisco).
Fresno assembly member Dr. Joaquin Arambula chairs the budget subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
His subcommittee passed the $1 billion proposal.
He spoke to KRON4 before that vote Monday afternoon.
“We will be able to figure out how to open up the doors on our health care system to ensure that here in California it’s a human right,” said Asm. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno).
The lawmakers say they are asking Governor Jerry Brown for money from the $6.1 billion surplus — a potential hurdle as the governor’s May budget revision is expected out soon.