25000-25003

WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE
SECTION 25000-25003




25000.  It is the intent of the Legislature to create a process by
which the options for achieving universal health care coverage can be
thoroughly examined.


25001.  The Secretary of the California Health and Human Services
Agency shall report back to the Legislature on the options for
achieving universal health care coverage, including:
   (a) The options for financing universal health coverage.
   (b) The institutional mechanism or mechanisms by which universal
health coverage may be delivered.
   (c) The extent and scope of the health coverage which all
California residents may have.



25002.  To develop the options for achieving universal health care
coverage described in Section 25001, the secretary shall establish a
process by which these options are developed. The process shall at a
minimum include the following:
   (a) The examination and utilization of research results from the
study performed by the University of California with regard to
methods of financing, delivering and defining universal health care
coverage, done pursuant to the criteria in Senate Concurrent
Resolution 100 of the 1997-1998 Regular Session of the Legislature.
   (b) The examination and utilization of other data and information,
as requested by the secretary or provided to the secretary, with
regard to methods of financing, delivering, or defining universal
health care coverage.
   (c) Developing a process by which representatives of health care
consumers, providers, insurers, health care workers, advocates,
counties, and all other interested parties are engaged in discussion
and debate of the issues faced by the state in providing universal
health coverage. The secretary shall develop the methods by which
this discussion occurs, provided that it is broadly inclusive of all
groups with an interest in universal health care coverage.
   (d) Interagency participation including, but not limited to, the
State Department of Health Services, the State Department of Mental
Health, the Department of Finance, the Managed Risk Medical Insurance
Board, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Public Employees'
Retirement System, the State Department of Social Services, the
Department of Managed Health Care, the Department of Insurance, and
any other appropriate agencies which the secretary determines can
contribute to the effort to provide universal health care coverage.
   (e) Obtaining information from the United States Health Care
Financing Administration regarding federal waivers or other forms of
federal participation, if necessary.



25003.  The secretary shall report back to the Legislature on or
before December 1, 2001, on the results of the process established to
examine the options for providing universal health coverage.