California's latest attempt at taxpayer-supported universal health care was defeated in Congress on Thursday.
The House Appropriations Committee held up a bill that would have guaranteed health care for all, blocking it from a floor vote.
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The big picture: Assembly Bill 2200 was authored by Asm. It was introduced by Sen. Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and had broad support from Democrats when it was introduced in February.
- It would establish the framework for the California Healthy Health Care for All program, known as CalCare.
- CalCare will be a single-payer health insurance system for all Californians.
Back story: This is the sixth time since 2007 that a single-payer health care bill has failed.
- Kalra's latest attempt was in the 2021-2022 parliament, but the bill was defeated on third reading.
- The only bill to reach the governor's desk was Senate Bill 840 during the 2007-2008 legislative session. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill at the time, saying it would create a $42 billion annual shortfall.
Driving news: The bill had support among Democrats, but California's looming budget deficit didn't help.
- Congress does not have a cost estimate for this version of the bill, but Kalra's previous effort had an estimated price tag of between $494 billion and $552 billion.
What they say: “I am extremely disappointed that the Assembly Appropriations Committees failed to recognize the significant cost savings potential of AB2200,” Kalra said in a statement. “Study after study shows that a single-payer system would not only cost less than the current system, but could protect the nation from future deficits while promoting economic growth.”
- Kalra said he has had two years of productive meetings with his fellow MPs and is confident that the resolution will pass in Parliament.
