California climbed to #24 – up one spot from its 2007 ranking as the 25th healthiest state to live in – according to a 2008 study by the United Health Foundation.
The good news:
The bad news:
The state's best and worst category ratings:
See the United Health Foundation's latest findings on California.
California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program
Toll-free 1-800-289-6574 or (916) 324-4695
Risk pools are state-sponsored programs to help people with a history of medical problems in their family to purchase coverage. These pools are for people who can afford to buy health insurance, but are not able to get underwritten in the private market because of a pre-existing health condition. These programs can vary significantly from state-to-state in price, benefits and number of people served. Often insurance companies doing business in the state are required to contribute to the poolto keep it in the black. In the best cases they allow people to be able to switch jobs or become self-employed without the fear of losing their health insurance coverage. Find more on risk pools here.
Cover The Uninsured is a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance and to demand solutions from our nation's leaders. Read more information on its efforts. It is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
US News does an annual ranking of what it considers the best health insurance plans in each state.
Visit its reports on various health insurance or medical insurance plans being offered in California.
California Department of Health Care Services and
California Department of Public Health
-- A 2007 reorganization has split into two the official government Web sites for departments responsible for health care services for Californians.
Medicare information from California State Department of Aging -- State government resources for Californians needing help with Medicare and other government health insurance programs on federal, state and local levels.
Office of Multicultural Health, California State Department of Health Services-- The state agency which tries to reduce inequality in health status, information and resources on multicultural health.
Consumer Information from the California State Department of Insurance -- Health insurance topics and information geared specially for consumers.
California State Department of Insurance -- Deals with issues of individual health insurance in California, as well as other types of insurance.
Health Access California – Health Access California is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving quality, affordable health care for all Californians. For more than 15 years, Health Access has played a significant role in leading the movement for health care reform in California. Health Access has promoted universal health care proposals and advocated for specific incremental reforms that promise to provide immediate health care services to California's most vulnerable populations.
California Association of Health Plans – The Association promotes affordable health care for California consumers through legislative advocacy, informational communications and collaboration with other organizations.
California HealthCare Foundation – The foundation is an independent philanthropy committed to improving California's health care delivery and financing systems and to ensure that all Californians have access to affordable, quality health care.
Health Care for All–California – HCA is a nonprofit grassroots organization working for high quality, universal, single-payer health care.
Vote Health Coalition – Vote Health's mission is to win accessible, high-quality health care for everyone, regardless of legal status or ability to pay.
Politco – Democratic leaders trying to preserve a high-stakes Saturday vote on a House health reform bill battled a swift current of rank-and-file defections Friday as the White House swung into action to help corral the final votes.
Associated Press – House Democrats acknowledged they don’t yet have the votes to pass a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s health care system, and signaled they may push back the vote until Sunday or early next week.
Kaiser Health News – SANTA ANA, Calif. – Robin Willer slumps on the metal bench, her sweater drawn up over her swollen cheeks. “The cold hurts it,” she says, pointing gingerly to three broken teeth.
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Health insurance companies in California. Get health plan pricing for these companies.
NOTE: Kaiser Permanente of CA is a non-profit company. |
Contact your federal officials. All Americans need your help to demand Congress to make health insurance that is:
Read more on Health Care Reform!
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Individual health insurance, a quick overview for those who must purchases their own insurance coverage
Health Insurance Companies, tips for evaluating and choosing a good provider |
Private health insurance, background on the "American way" of paying for health care Self-employed health insurance -- navigating the tricky waters of individual health care policies |