Universal Healthcare Bill Revived by CA Lawmakers
TL/DR –
California lawmakers have reintroduced a universal healthcare bill, AB 2200, to establish a state-run single-payer coverage system known as CalCare, providing a wide range of medical benefits and services. Previous attempts to pass similar bills failed due to their high cost, estimated to be between $494 billion and $552 billion. Despite this, supporters of the bill remain hopeful, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which they believe has highlighted the need for universal healthcare.
California Legislators Reintroduce Universal Healthcare Bill
California lawmakers have reintroduced a universal healthcare bill, known as AB 2200, aiming to establish a single-payer, state-run coverage system called CalCare to control healthcare costs for all Californians.
CalCare aims to cover a broad spectrum of medical benefits and services, incorporating standards and benefits from existing federal and state provisions including the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medi-Cal, health care services covered by regional centers for persons with developmental disabilities, Knox-Keene, and federal Medicare, according to the bill’s text.
However, earlier versions of the bill have faced opposition due to its high cost. Estimates suggest the program could cost between $494 billion and $552 billion. This high cost was a contributing factor in a similar CalCare bill failing to pass in 2022.
The bill’s updated version may garner more support with the increase of single-payer-friendly leaders in the legislature, according to Politico. Despite this, the bill is set to face challenges due to the state’s budget deficit and lack of a defined funding structure.
Assemblymember Liz Ortega, one of 20 co-authors of the bill, remains hopeful. She believes the pandemic has heightened the desire for comprehensive healthcare, and more people are committed to ensuring affordable healthcare access. Ortega discussed this at a Sacramento rally of healthcare workers and supporters before the bill’s Assembly Committee on Health hearing.
However, no states have implemented single-payer healthcare, despite its popularity among progressive lawmakers and in other countries. For AB 2200 to become law, it must pass the state legislature and receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval.
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