Affordability

About Affordability

Health care is a basic human need, one that Californians rely on to live, grow, and prosper. Unfortunately, the cost of care has become too high for many working families. For years, California’s hospitals have made headway toward controlling costs. To ensure care for every Californian, the entire health care field must tighten its belt — insurance companies, physicians, labor unions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and more. California’s hospitals stand ready to tackle this challenge through engagement with the Office of Health Care Affordability

OHCA Staff Issues Final Spending Target Recommendation

What’s happening: Yesterday, the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) released its final recommendation of a 3% spending growth target for 2025-29.

What else to know: CHA submitted comments on this proposal Jan. 18. As CHA continues to advocate for an attainable, sustainable target, members’ support will be crucial in demonstrating the detrimental impact a 3% spending target would have on patient care.

Major OHCA Developments to Track in 2024

What’s happening: OHCA ended 2023 with a proposed preliminary spending target of 3% annually for five years and it finalized cost and market impact review regulations.  

What else to know: OHCA’s policy development and implementation is expected to accelerate in 2024, specifically related to the adoption of an initial health care spending target. 

CHA Seeks Greater Transparency in OHCA Data Collection Process

What’s happening: On Dec. 1, CHA submitted a comment letter on the Office of Health Care Affordability’s (OHCA) total health care expenditure draft regulations.  

What else to know: These regulations will determine how health spending is attributed to providers and who will be accountable under the statewide spending target.