Is a Single-Payer System Next for California?

While previous attempts have crashed and burned, proposed new legislation could move California one step closer to a single-payer healthcare system. Proponents in the state senate say it is the “intent of the Legislature” to enact such a law “for the benefit of everyone in the state.” However, specific details and a prospective timetable have not been revealed. If it does pass and ultimately get signed into law, the measure would replace private insurance in California with a government plan that pays for coverage for the entire populace. The purported benefits would include more affordable, more efficient healthcare, though opponents say higher taxpayer costs and giving government “too much power” would make the bill unpalatable.