Implementing Health Reform in California

Abstract

THE CALIFORNIA Journal of Politics & Policy Implementing Health Reform in California Comgresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, United States House of Representatives) Nearly 18 months ago, Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law the most important piece of health care legislation this country has seen since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act is a wide- ranging law that seeks to improve our nation’s health care system at every level— from the doctor’s office to insurance company policies—and from small business tax credits to medical school incentives for future doctors. The law aims to expand access to health care, improve what works in our health delivery system, and refine the elements that are less effective and efficient. Among the key features of the law are reforms to improve and enhance our medical workforce; provide incentives to medical professionals and patients alike to seek more preventive care to stay healthy; establish a marketplace in which con- sumers will not fear being denied insurance coverage; and provide the tools to fos- ter and implement new and more efficient health delivery systems. The law seeks to improve the health of our country both physically and fis- cally. The challenges health reform faced at the national level and the challenges it faces in implementation at the state level are deeply intertwined. Accordingly, I am pleased that the intersection of the national health care law and the health needs of Californians are being thoroughly examined in the California Journal of Politics and Policy’s special issue on health reform. All one needs to do is turn on the television, pick up a newspaper, or look on the Internet to see that health care reform is a very hot topic across our country. And as every reader is aware, there has been a change of majorities in the House of Repre- sentatives after the 2010 election—and with it—a change in priorities. This past January, at the outset of the 112th Congress, the new House Majority passed a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. I and the rest of my colleagues in the California Democratic delegation voted against the repeal efforts. The Senate also held a vote to repeal the health care law, but this effort was firmly rejected. With Republican presidential candidates united in opposition, Congress is not the only body deliberating the Affordable Care Act. Federal judges continue to hear arguments and issue rulings on this topic. Despite the political and judicial threats to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the health care bill extensively debated and pas- sed by the 111th Congress is now law. I believe that the energy and debates should now focus on the best way to implement the law for the benefit of the American