The State of Medicare for All in California
Medicare for All advocates are organizing around two bills in the California Legislature–AB 1690 (this year’s CalCare) and SB 770, which on April 19th cleared its first hurdle and passed the Senate Health Committee—as the movement works to implement a political strategy that can overcome the deep pockets and political power of the healthcare industry.
SB 770
SB 770 establishes definite timelines and convenes a work group that will issue recommendations to the State legislature for moving a single payer proposal in 2024. The bill memorializes the Healthy California for All Commission’s findings and identifies the outstanding policy and financing issues from the Commission’s report that will be addressed by the official, appointed work group defined in the bill. The work group will assist the informal discussions between the Newsom and Biden Administrations over the parameters of federal approval for single payer in California. All those elements, including proposals from CalCare, will be considered in the work group’s report to the Legislature.
The Healthy California Now coalition, the sponsor of SB 770, includes East Bay and San Francisco DSA chapters, core single payer organizations and labor affiliates among teachers, public sector workers, university employees, and healthcare professionals along with unions in hospitality, transportation, healthcare and manufacturing, and labor councils. Supporters of SB 770 have organized an Advocates Table to broaden the coalition to include more labor unions and healthcare reform organizations that have worked on immediate issues.
AB 1690
CalCare AB 1690 is currently a “spot bill,” which will move in 2024, building on the momentum of AB 1400 last session that got to the Assembly floor. It will be a comprehensive policy bill that establishes the governance and program for a single payer system.
Doing outreach to Labor Councils and local unions, monthly canvasses in Assembly districts throughout the state, a social media campaign and an organizing table, the California Nurses Association, along with grassroots organizations including LA DSA, aim to pass the CalCare and use it to apply for federal support in the form of a “waiver” under the Affordable Care Act.
All advocates agree it’s essential to change the narrative about Medicare for All from the false focus on its costs to the story of the thousands of lives saved and billions of dollars it saves California workers, families, government, and businesses while controlling health system costs. (See the cost calculator at healthyca.org/calculator).
SB 770 and CalCare are on complementary tracks. Up first in 2023 is passing the collaborative engagement and advisory process in SB 770 to be followed in 2024 by consideration of a comprehensive single-payer program, including the proposals in CalCare. Naturally, developing a clear and sustainable financing approach the Biden Administration would approve is central to this process.
If passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, and approved by the federal government, Medicare for All-style reform would be subject to voter approval, perhaps as early as 2026, or in 2028.
To get involved in CalCare canvassing or other activities, go here. To join the Healthy California for All Now campaign and support SB 770, go here. We have an historic opportunity to create a viable path to political success for Medicare for All in California – let’s seize the moment!
