California lawmakers once again introduce universal health care bill
California lawmakers have once again introduced a universal health care bill after unsuccessful attempts in the past.
The bill’s latest iteration, formally known as AB 2200, would establish the framework for a single-payer, state-run coverage system called CalCare to control health care costs for all Californians.
California to become first state to offer health insurance to all undocumented adults
“The bill, among other things, would provide that CalCare cover a wide range of medical benefits and other services and would incorporate the health care benefits and standards of other existing federal and state provisions, including the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medi-Cal, ancillary health care or social services covered by regional centers for persons with developmental disabilities, Knox-Keene, and the federal Medicare,” according to the bill’s text.
While the idea seems good on paper, in the past, previous versions of the bill have faced pushback mainly due to its expensive price tag. Legislative analysts have previously estimated it could cost between $494 billion and $552 billion to fund the program.
The high price tag was one reason a similar CalCare bill couldn’t garner enough support to pass in 2022.
Despite previous concerns, the bill’s latest iteration could have more support since more single-payer-friendly leaders are in the state legislature, according to Politico. Still, not all problems have been addressed and the bill is likely to face an uphill battle this time due to the state’s overall budget deficit and the bill’s lack of funding structure.
Even so, supporters of AB 2200 remain hopeful.
“I think coming out of the pandemic, we’re seeing the desire for people to have health care more. I think it’s changed a lot of minds and more and more people are committed to making sure people don’t have to suffer or die because they pay to go to the doctor,” Assemblymember Liz Ortega, a Democrat representing Hayward and one of 20 co-authors of the bill, told Politico.
California bill could change how third-party airport security vendors operate at state airports
Ortega spoke to a Sacramento rally of health care workers and other supporters ahead of the bill’s Assembly Committee on Health hearing Wednesday afternoon.
Despite its popularity in other countries and among progressive lawmakers, no states have implemented single-payer health care.
The bill would need to pass the state legislature and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom before it becomes law.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
