Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Everything You Need To Know About California's Long-Shot Single-Payer Proposal
Los Angeles Times: What Would California's Proposed Single-Payer Healthcare System Mean For Me?
The prospect of a universal single-payer healthcare system in California — in which the state covers all residents’ healthcare costs — has enthralled liberal activists, exasperated business interests and upended the political landscape in the state Capitol. But some are still trying to sort out what exactly all the fuss is about. (Mason, 6/1)
The Associated Press: Study: New Taxes Could Fund Universal California Health Care
A longshot California proposal to replace insurance companies with government-funded health care for all of the state's residents could be paid for with a sales tax hike and a new tax on business revenue, according to a report released Wednesday. (Bollag and Cooper, 5/31)
The Associated Press: How Plan For California Gov't Health Care Might Be Funded
A pending state Senate bill would provide government-funded universal health care for California's 39 million residents. The bill faces a Friday deadline for passage out of the Senate if it is to be considered by the state Assembly. Here's how University of Massachusetts-Amherst researchers, in a study commissioned by the influential California Nurses Association, suggest the state pay for it. (5/31)
San Jose Mercury News: Universal Health Plan Would Save Californians $37 Billion Annually, Study Says
As the California Senate considers voting this week on a proposal to replace private health insurance with a statewide health plan that covers everyone, the bill’s main backers on Wednesday heralded a new study that says the plan could save Californians $37.5 billion annually in health care spending — even after adding the state’s nearly 3 million uninsured. (Murphy, 5/31)
Los Angeles Times: Antonio Villaraigosa Questions Whether A State Single-Payer Healthcare System Is Affordable In California
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa said he supports universal healthcare but advocates for a state-sponsored single-payer system may be “creating false expectations” given the enormous costs involved. (Willon, 5/31)
