Governor Signing AARP-Supported Medi-Cal Expansion Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2013
CONTACT:  Christina Clem, (916) 556-3024, cclem@aarp.org

SIGNING OF MEDI-CAL EXPANSION: AARP STATE DIRECTOR STATEMENT

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – AARP California State Director Katie Hirning today released the following statement regarding Governor Jerry Brown signing the Medi-Cal Expansion package:

“AARP applauds Governor Brown’s commitment to Medi-Cal expansion. We are also grateful to Senator Ed O. Hernandez and Speaker of the Assembly John A. Pérez for leading efforts to bring affordable health care to more than 1.4 million uninsured Californians. Our state has now taken a significant step forward in providing expanded Medi-Cal coverage to low-income, childless adults via  ABX1 1 (Pérez) and SBX1 1 (Hernandez).

AARP estimates more than 395,000 additional older Californians could qualify for Medi-Cal due to this landmark legislation.  It will help 50 to 64-year-olds who have lost their jobs, are struggling to find new ones and can't get affordable health care.  The Medi-Cal expansion will provide a bridge to these hundreds of thousands of older workers until they become eligible for Medicare.

On behalf of these individuals, who are usually priced out of or excluded from the current insurance market, we thank Governor Brown for leading the way to a healthier California.”

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;  www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at  www.aarp.org .​