A new select committee examining the efficacy of universal health
care in California heard more than eight hours of information and
testimony this week. The Assembly Select Committee on Health Care
Delivery Systems and Universal Coverage met on Monday and Tuesday
to gather information on California’s current health care
delivery systems and learn about models for health care in other
countries like the Netherlands and Canada.
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, and is expected
to meet for a series of hearings over the course of the fall
Interim period.
Counties are a key health care safety net provider, as well as
employers and administrators of health systems and Medi-Cal
eligibility, and must be part of any conversation to reform or
change the structure of how health care is accessed, delivered,
and financed in California.
Committee members heard from more than 100 people during the
public comment period, including nurses, the California Medical
Association, the Service Employees International Union,
CalChamber, and of course, CSAC. California has a low uninsured
rate – just 7 percent, or 3 million people – 1.8 million of which
are undocumented residents. Health system experts, including
representatives from the Insure the Uninsured Project and the
Commonwealth Project, outlined the current system and highlighted
California’s success in covering more people under the Affordable
Care Act. Presentations to the committee are available at
this link.
