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Health

Key Hearings On California Health Overhaul Bills Next Week

Health committees in both houses of the California legislature will hear bills this week that would codify key aspects of the Affordable Care Act into state law.

The measures are part of the special legislative session on health care called by Governor Jerry Brown.

Democratic Senator Ed Hernandez is carrying bills that deal with insurance market rules and the expansion of Medicaid.

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“Everything has to move extremely quickly, because the exchange needs to have their contracts in place, we have to have these consumer protections in place well before 2014," said Hernandez.

Backers of the bills said they would extend public health insurance to more than a million Californians, guarantee insurance to people with pre-existing conditions, and set guidelines for premium pricing.

Bills passed in the special session go into effect 90 days after it adjourning.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.