Assembly Speaker Sidelines Single Payer Bill until 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- California Association of Health Underwriters President Rick Coburn applauded actions taken today by Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) that recognize the serious deficiencies of SB 562. The Speaker has officially postponed any further legislative action on this bill until January 2018. He also indicated there would likely be a single payer ballot initiative on the California November 2018.

SB 562 proposes a $400 billion per year government-run single payer system for California. SB 562 does not contain any credible funding mechanism other than immense new taxes on all Californians. The bill also fails to address or manage the real problems healthcare systems face today such as the constant upward cost spiral of medical care, escalating prescription drug prices and ensuring consumers have access to quality medical providers throughout California.

Coburn stated, "CAHU remains committed to helping repair problems encountered by everyday Californians who are trying to obtain and pay for health care.  CAHU stands ready and willing to help advance viable market stabilization strategies that will ensure our state continues to lead the nation in successfully administering an affordable, quality health care system for all Californians."

Stephanie Berger, CAHU President-Elect, stated, "Despite what is happening in Washington, DC. California is uniquely positioned to lead the nation by enacting meaningful legislation that will actually drive down the cost of care and expand coverage, under a public/private partnership model. That is what Californians really want from their elected officials, not a government-run, government-dispensed health care system.

CAHU looks forward to working with state lawmakers on alternate solutions that provide a quality, comprehensive and affordable health care for all Californians.

The California Association of Health Underwriters is the largest associations of professional licensed health insurance agents and other health insurance industry professionals.  Our members help millions of individual Californians and businesses evaluate, select, purchase and use their health care coverage plans, resulting in greater health and financial security.  Our agents and brokers also act as advocates for policyholders and their families when coverage disputes arise.  Agents and brokers perform many functions for employers with respect to managing their employee benefits program.  All of these services are provided at no cost to the consumer.

SOURCE California Association of Health Underwriters