Editorial: California single-payer bill shows state can't go it alone
Health care spending in the United States far exceeds that of other Western nations and results in far-worse outcomes than in countries with single-payer systems.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that U.S. health care spending grew 9.7% in 2020, reaching $4.1 trillion, or 19.7% of our Gross Domestic Product. The United States now spends $12,530 per person on health care. Compare that to countries such as Germany ($6,731), France ($5,564), the United Kingdom ($5,268), Australia ($4,918) and Japan ($4,691).
The United States must switch to a more cost-effective system to remain competitive in the global marketplace. But that requires a prudent financial plan that drives down costs, improves health care outcomes for all and has the support of business and labor.
The single-payer legislation proposed by Assemblyman Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, and under consideration in the California Legislature fails to meet that standard. It’s small wonder that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who campaigned in favor of single-payer health care, has remained largely silent on the Kalra proposal.
Kalra’s bill, AB 1400, which needs to pass the Assembly by Monday to move forward, lacks a financial plan and offers a funding mechanism that raises more questions than it answers.
Read more: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2022/01/26/editorial-california-single-payer-bill-isnt-ready-for-prime-time/