Californians who have been denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions could find relief under legislation coming before the state Senate.
Two bills would create a high-risk pool for those people to buy health insurance and allow California to collect up to $761 million in federal funds.
The bills passed the Assembly with bipartisan support, but they could face opposition from Republicans when the Senate votes on Monday.
Under federal health care reform, insurance companies will be banned from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions starting in 2014.
The bills, AB1887 by Republican Assemblyman Mike Villines of Clovis, and SB227, by Democratic Sen. Elaine Alquist of Santa Clara, would enact a key component of federal health care reform.
State Takes Steps to Cover Uninsured
Copyright AP - Associated Press
