Everything You Need To Know About California’s Long-Shot Single-Payer Proposal
The Los Angeles Times answers questions about the plan that's energizing liberals across the country. Meanwhile, suggestions on how to pay for the system are blasted as unrealistic.
Los Angeles Times:
What Would California's Proposed Single-Payer Healthcare System Mean For Me?
The prospect of a universal single-payer healthcare system in California — in which the state covers all residents’ healthcare costs — has enthralled liberal activists, exasperated business interests and upended the political landscape in the state Capitol. But some are still trying to sort out what exactly all the fuss is about. (Mason, 6/1)
The Associated Press:
How Plan For California Gov't Health Care Might Be Funded
A pending state Senate bill would provide government-funded universal health care for California's 39 million residents. The bill faces a Friday deadline for passage out of the Senate if it is to be considered by the state Assembly. Here's how University of Massachusetts-Amherst researchers, in a study commissioned by the influential California Nurses Association, suggest the state pay for it. (5/31)
The Associated Press:
Study: New Taxes Could Fund Universal California Health Care
A longshot California proposal to replace insurance companies with government-funded health care for all of the state's residents could be paid for with a sales tax hike and a new tax on business revenue, according to a report released Wednesday. (Bollag and Cooper, 5/31)
The Mercury News:
Universal Health Plan Would Save Californians $37 Billion Annually, Study Says
As the California Senate considers voting this week on a proposal to replace private health insurance with a statewide health plan that covers everyone, the bill’s main backers on Wednesday heralded a new study that says the plan could save Californians $37.5 billion annually in health care spending — even after adding the state’s nearly 3 million uninsured. (Murphy, 5/31)
Los Angeles Times:
Estimated Cost For Single-Payer Healthcare In California Reduced By Billions In Analysis Sponsored By Supporters
A legislative analysis had estimated the cost of the proposed system to be $400 billion annually, but a study released by the nurses Wednesday estimates the yearly cost would be $331 billion as of 2017. (McGreevy, 5/31)
KQED:
Single Payer Economics: One Health Plan, Two New Taxes, Three Ways To Save
The economists argue that a single payer plan, by eliminating private, for-profit insurers in California, and by pooling together public funds from Medicare and Medi-Cal, would create a stream-lined system with lots of bargaining power. (Feibel, 6/1)
Los Angeles Times:
Antonio Villaraigosa Questions Whether A State Single-Payer Healthcare System Is Affordable In California
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa said he supports universal healthcare but advocates for a state-sponsored single-payer system may be “creating false expectations” given the enormous costs involved. (Willon, 5/31)