Under Proposed California Bill, State Would Set Prices For Certain Health Care Services
The measure, which is backed by influential unions and opposed by providers, faces an uphill battle in the state Legislature.
The Associated Press:
California Bill Would Create Health Care Price Controls
California's government would set prices for hospital stays, doctor visits and other health care services under legislation introduced Monday, vastly remaking the industry in a bid to lower health care costs. The proposal, which drew swift opposition from the health care industry, comes amid a fierce debate in California as activists on the left push aggressively for a system that would provide government-funded insurance for everyone in the state. (4/9)
California Healthline:
California Aims To Tackle Health Care Prices In Novel Rate-Setting Proposal
Backed by labor and consumer groups, a California lawmaker unveiled a proposal Monday calling for the state to set health care prices in the commercial insurance market. Supporters of the legislation, called the Health Care Price Relief Act, say California has made major strides in expanding health insurance coverage, but recent changes haven’t addressed the cost increases squeezing too many families. (Terhune, 4/10)
Capital Public Radio:
Should California Regulate Cost Of Health-Care Services? Proposed New Law Would Put State In Charge Of Pricing.
Under the proposal, a nine-member commission appointed by the governor, the Senate pro tem and the Assembly speaker would be tasked with setting baseline rates for all health care services from stitches to major surgeries, whether they’re provided in clinics, hospitals or private practices. The rates would be built off of current Medicare service costs. (Caiola, 4/9)