The legislative committee tasked with exploring the concept of
universal health care in California heard more than seven hours
of information and testimony this week in Los Angeles. The
Assembly Select Committee on Health Care Delivery Systems and
Universal Coverage met for the second time to hear from experts
from other states that have implemented some form of universal
coverage, including Vermont, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
The committee also heard about the Healthy San Francisco coverage
initiative and received information on how a Medicaid buy-in
proposal could work. Members also heard about cost containment
issues from Maryland and Massachusetts, and again received public
comment.
Co-chaired by Assembly Members Jim Wood and Joaquin Arambula, the
committee was formed by Assembly Speaker Rendon in response to
his decision to hold SB 562 (Lara and Atkins) this session. The
bill, sponsored by the California Nurses Association, sought to
erect a single-payer health system in California but did not
include financing details. The select committee is tasked with
examining the issue and seeking public comment. No hearings have
been set for 2018 yet, but the committee is likely to meet again
once the Legislature reconvenes.
