According to a new report released by the Kaiser Family Foundation 94% of participants in San Francisco's health care program are at least somewhat satisfied with it, and 92% would recommend it to a friend.

Kaiser surveyed a random sample of 1,026 participants in Healthy San Francisco program which began in July 2007 to offer care to the city's uninsured residents. The program costs about $120 million a year and is funded by city funds, state grants, participants' fees and employer contributions.

Mayor Gavin Newsom, joined last week by National AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, urged Congress to pass health care reform with a strong public option, touting the success of San Francisco's universal health care system. Leaders cited "Healthy San Francisco" as an example of how a public option can effectively cover the uninsured and create choice and competition in the insurance market without negatively impacting job growth.

"Even those who fight reform cannot deny that our present health care system is broken. It is inefficient, unfair, and enormously costly," said Mayor Newsom. "A public plan can work. San Francisco is proving it by driving down costs, improving access to care and creating competition."

For more information please visit:

- Mayor's Office Newsroom

- Kaiser's HealthySF Survey

- HealthySF Program Information