By John M. Glionna
Los Angeles Times

Forget the driver's license and credit cards. The most important piece of plastic in Cheng Wang's wallet is his new medical identification card featuring a picture of a heart and this city's signature skyline. Wang, who has diabetes and other ailments, says the Healthy San Francisco program saved his life. When he immigrated here in May to be closer to his elderly mother, the 64-year-old Taiwan native brought enough pills to last seven months. When those ran out, he didn't know what to do. He had no medical insurance. And it scared him. Then he learned about a groundbreaking city health plan that provides a network of care to residents regardless of their ability to pay, immigration status or existing medical conditions. Read more »

By Jane Meredith Adams
Chicago Tribune

As Democratic presidential candidates unveil proposals for universal or near-universal health care for all Americans, San Franciscans already are signing up for a new program that guarantees free or sliding-scale medical care to all uninsured adults. The program provides a network of care to city residents, regardless of existing medical conditions, immigration status or ability to pay. The plan began in pilot form in July. Expanding citywide this week, it is the first attempt by an American city to tackle the health-care crisis, with the assistance of state and federal funds. Unlike other universal health-care plans being proposed, Healthy San Francisco is not insurance -- because health coverage doesn't travel with the individual. Care is provided and paid for only at clinics and hospitals in San Francisco. Read more »