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California set to vote on single-payer health
FILE - In this May 16, 2016, file photo, California state Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, speaks at a rally at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. California lawmakers are considering an audacious proposal that would substantially remake the state's health care system by eliminating insurance companies and guaranteeing coverage for everyone. Lara, who wrote the bill with Democratic Sen. Toni Atkins of San Diego, says they're working on details.
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California set to vote on single-payer health
Analysts say the state would have to raise about 200 billion dollars a year to pay for the new system. That's as much as the entire state budget.
As the Republicans in Congress work on a bill to replace Obamacare, California lawmakers are considering a radical move in the other direction.
The state senate is set to vote on a bill that would create a so-called "single payer" health care system for California.
The bill the senate will vote on this week would cut out insurance companies and put the state in charge of paying for all health care.
Supporters call it "Medicare for all." Detractors call it an "expensive distraction" from the national health care debate.
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Democratic Senator Ricardo Lara of Bell Gardens co-authored the bill. He told a senate committee last week—it's an idea whose time has come.
“Given this picture of increasing cost, health care inefficiencies, and the uncertainty created in Congress, it is critical that California chart our own path," said Lara.
Analysts say the state would have to raise about $200 billion a year to pay for the new system. That's as much as the entire state budget. Gov. Brown has raised strong objections to the bill's cost.
The bill includes an amendment that would block it from taking effect until a funding source for the program is in place.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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