Schwarzenegger backs health overhaul

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger pledged California's full support Thursday for national health care reform, throwing the weight of one of the nation's most prominent Republicans behind an overhaul that has caused a deep political divide and prompted at least 18 states to file legal challenges.

Schwarzenegger said he has long supported the concept of universal health coverage, and in 2007 proposed a $14.7 billion overhaul of the health care market in California.

That effort failed in part because of concerns over cost, but the governor credits the effort with helping lay the groundwork for the federal bill signed this year.

Schwarzenegger said it's time to set politics aside and start implementing the new law, even as many cash-strapped states worry the costs of the overhaul will widen their budget shortfalls.

"The plan is not without flaws," Schwarzenegger said in remarks prepared for a speech he will gave later in the day that were obtained in advance by The Associated Press. "But it is the law. And it is time for California to move ahead with it. Thoughtfully. And responsibly."

The Republican Governors Association said it believed Schwarzenegger was the first GOP governor to come out strongly in favor of the health care reform law.

Schwarzenegger's comments marked a change in tone from earlier this year. After the U.S. Senate had passed its own version of the health care bill, which has since been revised, Schwarzenegger was among many critics who lambasted a provision that gave Nebraska additional Medicaid money.

The move was widely seen as a way to secure the vote of Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson. At the time, Schwarzenegger called the bill "a rip-off."

Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said the governor still has concerns about the potential costs to California of implementing the plan and how the state will administer it. California already faces a $20 billion deficit over the next 14 months.

Schwarzenegger, however, feels those concerns can be worked out, McLear said.

"The bottom line is this: If national health care reform is going to succeed, it is up to the states to make it happen," Schwarzenegger said in his remarks.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said she welcomed Schwarzenegger's support and his "dedication to strengthening the health care system."