The Honorable Darrell Steinberg

President Pro Tempore

California State Senate

State Capitol, Room 205

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Thursday September 9, 2010

 

RE: SB 726 (Ashburn)

 

 

Dear Senator Steinberg,

 

Senate Rules has recently received SB 726 (Ashburn) from the Assembly Floor and we are asking you to please allow the Bill to move directly to the Senate Floor for a vote when the Senate reconvenes in August.

 

California has chosen to be a leader in the implementation of National Health Care Reform. Your leadership on this critical public health issue is important. A true leader accepts the premise that keeping the status quo will make little difference, but challenging the status quo can make a significant difference.

 

The biggest challenge in successfully implementing National Health Care Reform will be providing the types and numbers of doctors to care for the poor or marginally-insured – a population projected to soon represent 25% of Californians. Absent a mechanism that will insulate doctors from the financial barriers to caring for this population, health care reform in California will fall short of its promise. For the good of all Californians, that cannot be allowed to happen.

 

SB 726 takes into account the socio-economics of many rural and urban communities where a traditional medical practice is not economically practical. It offers direct employment as a simple solution. The direct employment model works for UC Hospitals, County Hospitals and the Department of Corrections. SB 726 is a logical extension of existing practice (employment) and provides two benefits: improved access to health care and no cost to tax payers.

 

For Californians to receive the maximum benefit from National Health Care Reform, it is time to challenge the status quo. Support SB 726 as returned to the Senate and improve access to health care a for 9,000,000 Californians.

 

Sincerely,