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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Groups Press Gov. Newsom to Eliminate Medi-Cal Premiums

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Monday, December 27, 2021   

California's lower-income families could have to start paying hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year for Medi-Cal health insurance premiums - payments that have been waived during the pandemic.

Once the public health emergency subsides, the pandemic waiver will expire - so groups that advocate for kids and families are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to eliminate the premiums in his next budget proposal, which is due by January 10.

Fatima Clark, associate director of health policy for Children Now, said the return of premiums could cause struggling families to go without coverage.

"With no end in sight to this public health crisis, we should not be creating a disincentive to families to get care," said Clark. "These are households that have borne the brunt of the pandemic, yet are still struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table."

Only three other states require low-income families on their state health insurance programs to pay monthly premiums.

Almost 160,000 pregnant people and families with children received the waivers from March to September of this year.

Opponents of a permanent waiver cite budget concerns. Clark estimated it would cost the state about $8 million a year.

Recently, more than 450 organizations signed a letter asking the governor to waive Medi-Cal premiums. Clark said the move would increase access to care for up to 700,000 Californians.

"The health and financial well-being of many low-income families hangs in the balance," said Clark. "If lawmakers are serious about promoting economic security for families and communities, then eliminating Medi-Cal premiums should be a no-brainer in the next year."

Last year, the state allocated $20 million to be able to offer zero-dollar premiums on some health plans in 'CoveredCA.'



Disclosure: Children Now/KIDS COUNT contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Youth Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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