Californians, hear me roar! Vote YES on Proposition 72 to support employer-mandate health insurance. It’s going to be a very tight race, we need all the support we can get. And Wal-Mart just dumped $500,000 more toward its opposition . It’s far from perfect, but it will get California closer to having health care for all. Some facts (from Health Access ):

• Prop 72 Sets Standards in Health Care: Large and mid-sized companies are required to pay for private health insurance for employees. Companies must pay at least 80% of premiums and can pay up to 100%. Private coverage must include prescription drug, major medical and preventive care. Small businesses are exempt.
• Safeguards Private Health Insurance: 19 million Californians currently get private health insurance from their employer. Under Prop 72, employers can keep the same coverage paying as much as 100% of premiums. Employees get the added security of knowing that employers cannot pay less than 80% of premiums and must maintain preventive care, prescription drug and major medical coverage.
• Extends Health Insurance to More Working Families Under Prop 72, another 1.3 million Californians – workers and their families – will be able to see their own doctor, rather than rely on emergency rooms and clinics. Prop 72 is an important step in making sure that everyone has access to affordable health care.
• Taxpayer and Business Protections: California taxpayers pay $4.6 billion annually to cover ER and other health care bills for the uninsured. By extending health insurance to 1.3 million Californians, Prop 72 will save tax dollars and help relieve the burden on emergency rooms. Businesses benefit from a healthier, more productive workforce. Small businesses are exempt (including 93% of all restaurants and retailers). Levels the playing field by taking away the unfair competitive advantage some large corporations have because they don’t provide insurance to their employees.
• California Families will Save Money: The average family in California already pays nearly $2500 annually in premiums (KFF/HRET California Employment Health Benefit Survey). Opponents of Prop 72 estimate that 72 will cost the average family up to $1,700 per year. Even by the opposition’s own estimates, Prop 72 will save money for the average family right now.

Comments Off on YES ON PROP 72!