California Mandatory Health Insurance Vote Delayed until Monday

UPDATE: Originally the vote was scheduled for Wednesday, but Perata requested it be delayed until Monday.

Arnold's bill for mandatory health insurance in California is up for vote is now delayed until Monday. However, there is a key senator, Leland Yee, that opposes the bill, so it probably won't pass.

The law, AB X1 1, would require all Californians to purchase health insurance, with no caps on premiums, no regulation of the costs of insurance or medical expenses, no maximum deductibles, and no floor on how little coverage you must purchase. If you do not purchase insurance, the State would collect premiums by garnishment of wages or mortgage liens.

Senator Leland Yee joins the Senate Health Committee Chair, Kuehl in opposing the bill. Here is an excerpt from Yee's press release about what he thinks of the bill.

“AB X1 1 doesn’t provide care, but rather just requires individuals to purchase insurance without specifics on how to contain costs,” said Yee.  “It is unethical to garnish someone’s wages or place a lien on their mortgage because they can’t afford to purchase insurance.  This bill is like telling someone who is in need of help, 'I'm going to give you food, but I'm going to take away your clothes.'

AB X1 1 is also opposed by the California Nurses Association, United Food and Commercial Workers, Communication Works of America, League of Woman Voters, the Teamsters, Gray Partners, California School Employees Association and others.

The Senate Health Committee will be holding the hearing on AB X1 1.