Rural health care advocates examine the impact current health care reform proposals would have on California's Rural Areas, offer recomendations to legislators

SACRAMENTO, California -August 8, 2007-In response to the ongoing legislative efforts to reform California’s ailing health care system, the California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) has published a policy brief entitled “California Health Reform: What’s at Stake for Rural Communities?,” to be released later this week.  The brief examines how several of the health care reform proposals, including Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan and Assemblymember Fabian Nunez and Senate President pro Tem Don Perata’s bill, would affect health care for millions of California’s rural residents.

With grant support from The California Endowment, CSRHA partnered with the Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI) and the California State Legislative Rural Caucus to facilitate discussion among rural community leaders, health care professionals, and caucus delegates about concerns surrounding California’s reform efforts.

“California Health Reform: What’s at Stake for Rural Communities?”is a presentation of the rural health care concerns and policy recommendations that emerged from those forums. 

The brief outlines four critical health care issues facing rural residents that are not adequately addressed in all or some of the current reform proposals: Health Professional Shortages, Adequacy and Affordability of Coverage, Chronic Disease Management, and Availability of Health Insurance Products in Rural Communities. 

In response to each of these four issues, the brief contains several policy recommendations addressing certain insufficient or detrimental provisions of the health care reform proposals.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the brief, or for more information, please contact:

Cathy Martin
Executive Director
California State Rural Association
cmartin@csrha.org  (916) 453-0780

Desiree Rose
Development Manager
California State Rural Health Association
drose@csrha.org (916) 453-0780

3720 Folsom Boulevard, Suite B, Sacramento, CA, (916) 453-0780 Phone, (916) 453-0783 Fax