This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
Among the most hotly debated issues in the state Legislature this year is whether California should dismantle its existing health care system in favor of a government-run single-payer system.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1400 (Kalra, D-San Jose) would force all 40 million Californians into a single new government plan with no ability for consumers to opt out or choose private coverage. The proposal, which will be debated by Assembly in the coming days, would cost taxpayers nearly $200 billion every year in higher taxes on jobs, income, services, and more — all for an untested new health care system in the middle of a pandemic.
CHA opposes AB 1400. Our state already leads the nation, with 93% of all Californians now covered. And if Gov. Newsom’s proposal to expand health care coverage to all income-eligible adults ages 26-49 regardless of their immigration status is approved this year, California will become the first state in the nation to achieve universal health care coverage.
CHA is part of a large coalition of doctors, nurses, health plans, small businesses, employers, and others who oppose AB 1400. In addition to legislative outreach, the Protect California Health Care coalition also is our voice to the news media on this critical issue.
Recent newspaper editorials opposing AB 1400 include:
- San Jose Mercury News: California single-payer bill shows state can’t go it alone
- Los Angeles Daily News: Californians can’t afford the largest tax hike in state history – Daily News
- Orange County Register: Sacramento Dems should stop the stunts