Calif. In a bold move that set a standard for the entire nation, Santa Clara County Supervisors and the San Jose City Council have voted to assure full medical coverage for all children age 19 and under who live within their boundaries. The decision came six months after the city council, led by Mayor Ron Gonzalez, defeated the measure after heated debate. Since then, a powerful coalition spearheaded by the South Bay Labor Council, has kept up a steady campaign that rallied public support and got the county supervisors to break the logjam. The medical coverage will embrace more than 71,000 children and will include dental and vision as well as comprehensive medical care. Together, the Santa Clara Family Health Plan and the County s Medical HMO, in addition to the labor council.
Today is an important and historic day.
Not since the passage of Medicare has something so comprehensive been achieved. I hope that today s victory will spread throughout the state and nation like seeds being carried by the wind. The Santa Clara Family Health Plan will administer the health initiative. It will process applications from families, pay claims, contract for outreach and handle fundraising. The county expected to begin operating in February.