Dear CSRHA Members,

With the arrival of the New Year, the stage has been set for what Governor Schwarzenegger says will be “the year of healthcare” in California. Unveiling his plan for comprehensive healthcare reform on January 8, 2007, the Governor described his vision to bring about affordable and accessible coverage to all Californians.

Shortly before the Governor released his plan, Senate President pro tem Don Perata, and Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez also introduced healthcare reform proposals (SB 48 and AB 8), with visions similar to the Governor’s in many ways.

The U.S. is the only industrialized country without universal healthcare, and at the state level, one in five Californians have insufficient or no health insurance at all. These significant changes in policy will make healthcare history if they work, but there are still many challenges and provisions facing this reform proposal.

We would like to hear what you think! The recent introductions of the new healthcare policies proposed by the Governor and other legislators have many implications for providers, doctors and consumers throughout the state. In light of these policy proposals, CSRHA is soliciting feedback from its members regarding their perspective on the healthcare plans.

The CSRHA Advocacy Committee will develop a response to the Governor’s and other key healthcare reform proposals, and seeks to incorporate member feedback in the process. Please take advantage of this opportunity to provide your perspective as a rural stakeholder. (If you are not yet a member, but would like to provide your perspective on this issue, please take a moment to apply for membership. Click here for more information on CSRHA membership and to download an application.)

To submit your feedback, please email me at cmartin@csrha.org, no later than January 22nd by 5:00 p.m.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,