Budget stalemate's toll on health care to be discussed

Budget stalemate's toll on health care to be discussed
By Ben Antonius | Daily Republic | July 25, 2008

FAIRFIELD - The state budget deadline comes like clockwork every June 15 and, like clockwork, the state government misses that deadline and waits until August or September to reach a deal.

With lawmakers missing their target for the 22nd consecutive year, the Solano Economic Development Corp. will host a breakfast forum to discuss the impacts on health care across the state.

The speakers will be Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis, and Jack Horn, director of the Partnership HealthPlan of California.

Wolk will give an update on the budget standoff and discuss the possible ramifications for health care programs.

'Health and social services are 35 percent of the budget, so when you're looking at a $15 billion deficit, there's a great deal of concern about what will happen to health programs,' Wolk said.

The event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2200 Gateway Court.

Partnership HealthPlan is a semi-private health care system that arranges hospital and medical coverage with health care providers for MediCal-eligible residents in Solano, Napa and Yolo counties.

With the state budget stalemate, the organization is facing the possibility of a funding shortage. On Tuesday, the Solano County Board of Supervisors agreed to lend the organization $12 million to tide it over until a budget is passed.

Wolk said her comments may also touch on the issue of large-scale health care reform, including the possible form such an overhaul could take.

'I see a national effort modeled on what we do with children here,' she said. 'There will be some kind of coverage floor and on top of that states would provide more or greater or different services. It's very hard for California to do this alone.'

For more information on the event or to register, call 864-1855.

Reach Ben Antonius at 427-6977 or bantonius@dailyrepublic.net.

At a glance
Who: Solano Economic Development Corporation
What: 'Health Care at the Crossroads' forum
When: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 2200 Gateway Court, Fairfield
Info: 864-1855