Flash! On Oct. 26, Senator Harry Reid announced that his is putting a public health insurance option in the Senate bill that will go to the floor for a full vote in the coming weeks. While we haven't won yet, this is a huge victory and Sen. Reid deserves our thanks as he keeps fighting for us all!
Sign the Petition thanking Senator Reid
Watch sample clips from the "One Care Now" 365 Day Video Campaign
CTA is urging a major overhaul of the health care system in the state.
The current health care situation is in crisis. Health care costs must be controlled, and reform legislation must be implemented to address efficiency in the health care system, offering quality care and patient choice.
In recent activity, a public health insurance option was passed by four out of five committees in Congress dealing with health care, and received a huge amount of support in the Senate Finance Committee. The next time the public health insurance option will come up for consideration is when Majority Leader Harry Reid merges the Finance bill with the HELP bill.
Though unsuccessful in efforts to add a public health insurance option to the Baucus Bill in the Senate Finance Committee on Sept. 29, that was the first step in building momentum for a public health insurance option in the Senate.
There are hundreds of organizers and thousands of supporters around the country, and the American people are on our side. According to Senator Charles Schumer, a public health insurance option will be in the bill President Obama signs into law.
CTA supports the group Health Care for America Now (HCAN) in its efforts to gain quality, affordable health care for everyone. HCAN held well-attended town hall meetings across the state and continues to work for much needed reform. Check the HCAN website for information.
In addition to supporting HCAN, CTA has joined several coalitions on health care -- among them: It's OUR Healthcare! -- and along with the various coalitions, has agreed on seven basic Health Care Principles.
As part of our efforts, CTA is co-sponsoring SB 810 -- the California Universal Healthcare bill by Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco/San Rafael), and is closely monitoring this bill.
CTA will continue to urge reform legislation to make health care more affordable and accessible to all Californians.
CTA members: We want to hear from you!
The health care system is in crisis. The stories we collect from CTA members will help persuade policy-makers that it's time to improve the system and provide health care for all! Tell Us Your Health Care Story.
Health Care Principles
Health Care News and Resources
Find and compare hospitals near you
Health Access California
California Health Care Coalition
Together for Health Care Television Ad (YouTube)
Contact Your Lawmaker -- Urge Reform Legislation
The Uninsured: Rates by State and Congressional District -- This state-by-state data can be a useful resource in talking about the uninsured in California and in your specific community. The data is based on an NPR analysis of US Census Bureau data.
California judge rules only nurses can give insulin to kids -- Sacramento Bee
Unprecedented Campaign to Win National Health Reform in 2009 -- CTA, NEA part of coalition pushing for reform