Commissioner Lara Commends Governor and State Legislature on Passage of 2023-24 State Budget Bill
News: 2023 Press Release
LOS ANGELES — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara praised Governor Newsom and the State Legislature for their successful enactment of the 2023-24 State Budget bill. With this budget, California advances in its mission to broaden healthcare access, strengthen climate change preparedness, and implement strategies for wildfire prevention.
“Governor Newsom and the Legislature acted on our shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges and enhancing healthcare accessibility for the well-being of all Californians.
“This Budget maintains critical funding for essential wildfire prevention and resilience, continuing $2.7 billion over four total years in this important mitigation work. It also includes $80 million for transitioning heavy-duty drayage trucks from diesel to zero emissions, recognizing that zero-emission trucks are here now and communities need air quality relief now. My Department is preparing to support this transition with my sponsored Assembly Bill 844 authored by Assembly Member Mike Gipson. Reducing emissions and protecting vulnerable communities are essential to climate resilience, and ensuring insurance access can accelerate the deployment of these innovative and clean heavy duty technologies.
“The Budget also addresses healthcare concerns by increasing reimbursements for primary care physicians, maternity care services, and non-specialty mental health services under Medi-Cal. Starting in 2024, these reimbursement enhancements will improve access to essential healthcare services for Californians. Additionally, we are utilizing the state mandate penalties for Covered California to reduce cost-sharing burdens for consumers. This measure will make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
“Together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable future for our state.”
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Media Notes:
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
