Leadership Group calls for revival of comprehensive health care plan

Poll shows public concerned about failure to enact reform

A recent Field Poll sends a strong message to the Legislature to revive the comprehensive health care plan proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group said today. The plan died in the Senate early this year after passing the Assembly.

Nearly three-quarters of those polled by Field Research in March said that they supported the concept of the governor’s plan and that they were concerned by the state’s failure to enact health reform legislation.

“The governor presented a bold plan,’’ said Carl Guardino, CEO of the Leadership Group, “which contained important core principles of guaranteed access for all and lower health care costs. The poll shows that the public will support legislators who will address this critical need.”

“Comprehensive reform will extend health care to all Californians, not just the fortunate few,’’ said Guardino. “For business, it will reduce costs and promote prevention and wellness, for a more productive workforce.”

While the millions of people who lack health insurance are the most visible problem, the Field Poll revealed a disturbing level of uncertainty even among those with health insurance.

Fifty-nine percent of all those polled were concerned about being able to pay the costs of a major illness or injury; 58 percent are worried about having to pay more out of pocket for health care; and 57 percent are concerned about losing health care coverage. Three times as many expect the health care system to be worse in five years than those who think it will be better.

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group was among the first business organizations in California to support the governor’s health care reform efforts. Guardino praised the previous work of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez toward a better health care system for all. On behalf of the 260 employers the Leadership Group represents, he said, it stands ready to reconvene with all the necessary stakeholders to achieve comprehensive health care reform.