Governor Signs Vital Legislation Saving Health Coverage for One Million California Children

Today, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 1422, important legislation that will help save Healthy Families and the one million children across California that depend on the Program as their only source of low-cost health coverage.

On behalf of a coalition of children's advocates, Wendy Lazarus, Founder and Co-President of The Children's Partnership said, "In a legislative session overshadowed by the budget deficit and the economic downturn, legislators stepped up to the plate to find a way to help ensure health coverage for children."

AB 1422 draws down federal funds to help maintain the Healthy Families Program and will ensure that nearly one million children have secure, affordable, and comprehensive health coverage for this budget year.

Medi-Cal managed care plans showed tremendous leadership in putting together this creative solution that will benefit so many California children when their families need it most. In combination with a generous $81.4 million contribution from First 5 California and increased cost-sharing for some families, AB 1422 fills the remainder of the shortfall in Healthy Families.

"We look forward to continuing to work with our elected officials and other health leaders to build on this positive momentum until every child in California who needs health care can get it," said Lazarus.

TAKE ACTION! Click here to urge your legislators to prioritize children's heath, and identify a sustainable funding source for children's health coverage. An estimated 700,000 California children still remain uninsured.

STAY TUNED: We will keep you up to date on opportunities to take action, and on policy decisions that impact children's health in California.

The 100% Campaign, a collaborative effort of The Children's Partnership, Children Now and Children's Defense Fund California, was created to ensure that all of California's children obtain the health insurance they need to grow up strong and healthy.PICO California

The united effort of 20 FAITH BASED -based community organizations bringing the voices and concerns of regular Californians to the statewide policy arena. PICO California is the statewide project of the PICO National Network.