California lawmakers release details on universal health coverage proposal

Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, released policy details about a plan to create a single-payer health care system for all California residents on Thursday.

"Medicare for All", also known as single-payer health care, would break the link between employment and insurance and would expand the existing safety net for people over 65 to all Americans. Sane voters know the middle-class and poor will not be better off without affordable healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and our Consumer Protection Agency that just caught Wells Fargo in a scam.

"I think that is because the Republican attempt to dismantle the ACA has brought the whole issue of health reform back on the table, and with the groundswell of citizen energy and activism since the Trump election, more and more people are actually paying attention and becoming involved, and what they're realizing is 'Oh my gosh, the Affordable Care Act actually did some good things for me and I sure don't want to go backwards from that", she said. "We have the chance to make universal healthcare a reality now. It's time to talk about how we get to healthcare for all that covers more and costs less". Doctors would, once again, be in charge of patient care instead of insurance companies. The single-payer proposal in 2007 was estimated to have cost $209 billion, which would have meant wage tax hikes for employees and employers.

Doctors would, once again, be in charge of patient care instead of insurance companies. The single-payer proposal in 2007 was estimated to have cost $209 billion, which would have meant wage tax hikes for employees and employers.

Californians are covered when they travel.

A nine-member unpaid board appointed by the governor and Legislature would oversee the health system. It would also cover rehabilitation services, child and adult immunizations, care in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities as well as services for substance abuse, mental health and even chiropractic and acupuncture.

The Healthy California Act will cover all California residents with comprehensive care for all services.

Healthy California will cover comprehensive healthcare, and insurance companies can not offer benefits for services covered. President Trump has promised "flexibility" to states seeking health care waivers.

Gov. Jerry Brown expressed deep skepticism about that state's ability to fund the program last week during a visit to Washington, D.C.

The Healthy California Act (SB 562) was introduced on February 17, 2017, and is sponsored by the California Nurses Association.