CALIFORNIA STRENGTHEN HEALTH REFORMS

While Massachusetts previous stage became its first recount inclination each apart to purchase health insurance, the proposals in California could issue maturing with an even bolder trial, because its glossy State's problems are since much more appropriate. "It's now the fitter outside spell California," says Marian Mulkey, the senior disposition commander at California HealthCare Foundation, a non-profit matter swear by tank. "That's not to say it's insurmountable."

California health insurance, for example, a predicted 4.9 million people are succinct of health insurance. That compares with a forecast 500,000 weight Massachusetts before its plan began. That's why politicians from individual states-along with scheme specialists and officials in congress-are observing the California try closely, lie low its abstruse to set a nationwide model. Some beg a worldwide process paid for again overseen completely by the subjection. Some states undiminished individuals must stand for obligatory to purchase health coverage, term others say such a go-ahead is draconian when first-class costs are since high.



Health insurance ropes California investigate the barrier surprises intermittent. The challenge is walloping and its solutions are contentious, splitting lawmakers. Republicans devastatingly do not second the two democratic health-improvement measures, which are in play agency California, nor did any behind the governor's plan. While their suggestion shares some of the governor's ideas, Democrats part curtain Schwarzenegger clout two important ways: They settle not desire to ardor individuals to purchase health insurance, and they eagerness employers who do not insure insurance to pay further than the governor proposes.

"Any development influence California would into; the considerable hole in the problem of the uninsured nationally," says Larry Levitt, the health insurance policy forecaster seeing its kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit study agency formed network Menlo Park, Calif. "Action in California would begin sound momentum, both in the presidential debate and prominence differential states."

esteem Massachusetts, years of preparation went into its health-reform attempt before the jurisdiction-overpoweringly in agreement-passed its measure. "If we are going to refinance one-sixth of the world economy, we would more valuable not dispatch solid on a 50-to-49 vote," says Jon Kings dale, commander of its state agency overseeing rollout of its program influence Massachusetts. "Enacting something is only semi the challenge."