CalCare would save lives, and money

On February 19, the Guaranteed Health Care for All bill AB 1400 called CalCare, a nonprofit single payer plan, was introduced into the California Legislature.

High quality comprehensive and affordable health care would be guaranteed from birth to death for every California resident. In 2019, 3 million Californians were uninsured, including 276,000 children. 63% of the uninsured are Latino. 50% of uninsured have an annual income of $24,000 or less. In January of 2021, the Sacramento Bee reported that 1.4 million Californians had lost their jobs. Once their employment-based health insurance job is lost, not only does the worker lose their health care access, but so do their covered family members. 2020 projections estimate that 4 million will be uninsured. Our current profit- driven insurance system discriminates against the poor, is racist, and creates an unstable health system that separates the haves and have nots. All the industrialized countries in the world except the US provide guaranteed health care to all its people and Californians could join that group.

All licensed health care providers and all hospitals would be paid for every patient treated. Providers could determine the necessary care based on medical need not the amount in a person’s bank account. Benefits are comprehensive with dental, vision, hearing, prescription drugs, and long-term care while eliminating all deductibles, co-pays, supplemental plans, and networks.

Schools, businesses, cities and counties would save money.

ÇalCare saves lives, saves money, guarantees lifetime health care, is affordable, and provides better outcomes and longevity.