Health Underwriters Protest Richman and Kuehl Health Plans

The California Association of Health Underwriters announced that its board voted to oppose health care reform plans authored by Assemblyman Keith Richman and Senator Sheila Kuehl. Kuehl authored SB 840, which would institute a single-payer health care system for the state. CAHU’s board argued that such a system would lead to a rationing of coverage, and put too large an expense in the state’s hands during a time of massive budget deficits. The association, which represents 4,000 health insurance agents throughout California, also opposes AB 1670, which Richman authored with Assemblyman Joe Nation, which would institute individual health care mandates. The board raised concerns about the state’s roll in managing purchasing pools.