Lawmakers See California As Uniquely Positioned To Make Single-Payer Work
Other states have tried and failed to implement a state-run single-payer health system, but with Democrats holding the power in the state that has the world's sixth largest economy, some say it might actually be possible.
KPCC:
A Radical Idea Revived: Single-Payer Health Care Bill Introduced
As lawmakers in Washington move to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a state lawmaker is reviving a radical idea: transform California's private health insurance system into a state-run single-payer model. State Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Long Beach) has introduced the Californians for a Healthy California Act, which proposes "a comprehensive universal single-payer health care coverage program." Under this approach, private health insurance would be replaced with a single state-run program. Lara said his plan would guarantee coverage to all Californians and would bring down the cost of health care. (Lavender, 2/22)
KPBS Public Media:
Sen. Atkins Discusses Single-Payer Health Care For California
State Sen. Toni Atkins has co-sponsored a bill to explore the establishment of a single-payer health care system in California. Under single-payer health care, the government, in this case California, would operate a health insurance plan for all residents that would be funded by tax dollars. (Cavanaugh and Ruth, 2/22)
Politico Pro:
Single Payer — Could California Pull It Off?
When liberal California looks beyond the repeal of Obamacare, it sees a glimmer of single-payer on the horizon. Single payer or “Medicare-for-all,” the universal health care system long favored by the left and championed by Sen. Bernie Sanders as he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, is getting another look in California as political leaders and health experts grapple with what post-Obamacare health coverage could look like under President Donald Trump. Legislation to create a Medicare-for-all system was introduced in the state Senate last week. (Colliver, 2/22)
Los Angeles Times:
With Obamacare's Future Uncertain, Hundreds Rally At State Capitol For Single-Payer Healthcare In California
The details of their plan are still hazy, but proponents of a single-payer healthcare system in California are already ramping up pressure on lawmakers to back publicly funded universal coverage. Hundreds rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday to back SB 562, a measure introduced last week that would establish a single-payer system in California. (Mason, 2/22)