Issues of health care in our county are undoubtedly complex and it is often difficult to find a place from which to start your self-education. Assembled here are various articles, primers and resources to help you understand our current situation and various proposals for future health care delivery.

General Healthcare Reform Information

Sen. Sheila Kuehl on Healthcare in California - Essay #1 (PDF, 20 kB)
"This is my first essay for 2007. It addresses the topic that seems to be on everyone's minds, lips and agenda this year: healthcare. These essays are my presentation of facts not generally reported or summarized by the press."

The Case for Universal Health Care (PDF, 180 kB)
Authored by Kao-Ping Chua, AMSA Jack Rutledge Fellow 2005-2006, this document provides a detailed look on the reasons for instituting universal healthcare in the United States.

Strategies to Increase Healthcare Access (PDF, 180 kB)
A study and overview of the different strategies for increasing healthcare access.

Overview of the U.S. Health Care System (PDF, 180 kB)
This primer will explain the organization and financing of the system, as well as place the U.S. health care system in a greater international context.

Myths about the Uninsured (PDF, 162 kB)
Lack of health insurance coverage among millions of Americans remains one of this nation's most pressing social challenges, but one that is often not well understood. Common knowledge about who the uninsured are, why they are uninsured, the difference health coverage makes, as well as the impact on all our lives of having a large uninsured population - is riddled with misconceptions and myths. Basic facts about the uninsured, outlined here under the most common myths, are essential to understanding how we might address the growing numbers of Americans without health insurance.

The Uninsured: A Primer (PDF, 0.7 MB)
Developed by the Kaiser Family Foundation, this document provides information on key facts about Americans without health insurance.

Quote of the Day
Sign up to be apart of Dr. Don McCanne daily quote on health coverage. Dr. McCanne is a California physician who runs a one-man think tank on single payer health care. His e-mails address health policy studies and newspaper articles in the context of a single payer system.

Kaiser's Daily Health Policy Report
The report provides a completely objective listing of the major health policy developments of the day. It includes reports from Congress, editorials from newspapers, and the most recent studies in health policy.

American Medical Student Association
AMSA has additional Primers and information on Universal Health Care.

SB 840 Fact Sheet (PDF, 0.8 MB) (Spanish version)
Please refer to this information for explanation of the bill's basic tenets, including issues of cost, efficiency, care quality and coverage.

Comparison of SB 840 with gov. Schwarzenegger's healthcare reform plan (PDF, 30 kB)
This document provides a clear-cut comparison of two competing California healthcare reform plans. Complete with bulletpoints for convenience.

SB 840 Frequently Asked Questions (MS Word, 35 kB)
This document covers many popular misconceptions about the bill, as well as addresses some of its prime strengths.

Why SB 840 is Good for Medical Professionals (PDF, 20 kB)
This pamphlet covers the basic arguments for SB 840 from the healthcare professional's standpoint.

SB 840 Talking Points (MS Word, 30kB)
A listing of main talking points, which could prove invaluable for anyone engaged in a discussion for the bill. Also, it's a must read if you are planning to attend Lobby Day 2007!

LAtimes.com Op-Ed: "A second, third and fourth opinion on healthcare," by Sen. Sheila Kuehl

Sen. Kuehl on re-introducing bill SB 840 in 2007

Sen. Kuehl on Gov. Schwarzenegger's Veto of SB 840

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Veto of SB 840