The question of single-payer is not “if” but when, and how.
Here at Healthy California Now, we just released a report detailing the economic and policy considerations in designing a single payer system in California. The release of this report is timely given today’s Healthy California for All Commission meeting that will continue to examine financing options. Don’t forget to RSVP for and attend their Zoom, starting today at 1pm. We also have some helpful talking points available.
Authored by Ian Lewis, Research Director at National Union of Healthcare Workers, the report reaches conclusions similar to those presented in the Commission’s analysis released May 26th showing the substantial savings exclusively generated by single payer financing, and provides a deeper dive into these issues that will be immensely helpful to advocates.
The report supports our diverse coalition’s goal to eliminate all barriers to care and liberate California from the greed of the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries stating, “Using conservative estimates, California could reduce total health spending by $223 billion to $764 billion over the coming decade – lowering its annual bill 7% to 19% by 2031 and giving its economy a strong competitive advantage over states that continue along current trends.”
But if California leaders fail to take prompt action, Californians will face huge increases in the price for health care – paying $350 billion more per year by 2031 than they do today (an increase of over $8,000 for every resident).
We are appealing to Governor Newsom’s leadership and campaign promise for single-payer, while addressing the urgency and devastation of the COVID pandemic, and seizing upon the unique opportunities within the new presidential administration.
The need has never been more clear and more achievable for a comprehensive and guaranteed healthcare system that puts an end to increasing costs, limited provider choices, soaring drug prices, surprise bills, medical bankruptcy, and health plans that charge more and cover less. Please read and share the report and then join us from 1PM to 5PM today to make a case for the single payer solution at the Healthy California for All Commission. RSVP now, see their agenda PDF, and check out our talking points.
We also share CalCare’s Rules of Engagement, and encourage everyone to keep focused on the undisputable benefits of single payer and work that build a powerful unified movement to win healthcare justice in California.
Onward!
Healthy California Now