SECTIONS 12693 - California Statutes

INSURANCE CODE

SECTION 12693

12693. The Legislature declares all of the following:
(a) Approximately 1.6 million California children, 17 percent of
children ages 17 and under, have no health insurance. One in four
California children, which is 2.3 million, rely on Medi-Cal for
insurance coverage, while just over half of the state's children, 53
percent, have employment-based coverage through a parent.
(b) Most uninsured California children come from low-income
families, with nearly 75 percent of uninsured children (1.2 million)
living in families with incomes below 200 percent of the federal
poverty level. Children whose families earn incomes between 100 and
200 percent of the federal poverty level, an estimated 580,000
children, are among the most vulnerable of populations. Their
families make too much money to generally qualify for free Medi-Cal,
are employed in working class jobs that typically do not offer
insurance, and cannot afford private health insurance. In short,
affordability remains a major barrier to obtaining coverage.
(c) Notwithstanding the generally good health of children, health
insurance coverage is important to ensure that they receive the
health care that is essential to monitor their growth, nutrition, and
development and to address potential health problems early.
(d) Lack of insurance coverage for children results in reduced
access to medical services, resulting in restricted access to primary
and preventive care and increased reliance on emergency rooms and
hospitals for treatment. Timely treatment for infectious and chronic
diseases can prevent more serious medical conditions in children of
all ages.
(e) When a child is seriously ill or injured, the costs of needed
medical care can force families into financial ruin.
(f) That by July 1, 1998, there shall be in place a program
providing access to health coverage to all children residing in
households with family incomes below 200 percent of the federal
poverty level.
(g) It is the intent of the Legislature that the program comply
with the requirements of Title XXI of the Social Security Act, also
know as the State Children's Health Insurance Program.