Statewide effort launched to educate Californians about opportunities under new federal health care law

Today, Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado, Robert K. Ross, M.D., president & CEO of The California Endowment, and health care organization leaders announced the launch of a large-scale statewide effort to educate Californians about their opportunities under the new federal health care law.

“The Lieutenant Governor's call for getting beyond partisan divisions and educating ourselves about the new health care law is strongly aligned with The California Endowment's mission of expanding access to affordable, quality health care to all Californians.”

During his remarks, Lieutenant Governor Maldonado stated, "The media covers the fight…I'm here to tell you the fight is gone. I'm here to tell you the law is the law. The bill has been passed. And we must come together to tell our community what is in the bill and how you can access your family to health care coverage in California and the country."

Research shows few Californians know about the change in laws or the new health care options and benefits available to them and their children. This education effort is the first phase of a multi-year effort - the largest of its kind in California - to educate every person in the state about their health care opportunities under the new law. Estimates say that, when fully implemented, the Affordable Care Act will bring in more than $120 billion new federal dollars invested in the health and well-being of Californians and their communities.

"We believe this public education effort is essential to make California healthier," said Robert K. Ross, M.D., president and CEO, The California Endowment. "The Lieutenant Governor's call for getting beyond partisan divisions and educating ourselves about the new health care law is strongly aligned with The California Endowment's mission of expanding access to affordable, quality health care to all Californians."

Source The California Endowment