Jan 06 2012
Activists Push Single Payer Healthcare in California
A California Healthcare Foundation study in December found that close to seven million Californians lacked health insurance in 2010, more than any other state in the U.S. As the number of Californians who are uninsured continues to rise, the cost of insurance premiums for those who are covered also continues to rise. According to the California Employer Health Benefits Survey, while increasingly fewer California employers are still offering health coverage to their employees, of those that do, health insurance plan premiums have risen 153.5% since 2002. The increasing costs of healthcare during the economic slump have contributed greatly to what is becoming an unsustainable trend. In response to this, California Democrats have pushed for The California Universal Healthcare Act – a single-payer healthcare bill which would create a distinct, state-run insurance pool to fund medical care which can lower costs and cover all Californians. Senate Bill 810, formerly named SB 840, was passed twice by the State Legislature in 2006 and 2008, however both times it was vetoed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. After threats of a third veto, Democrats refrained from reintroducing the bill until Democratic Governor Jerry Brown took office. However during Brown’s tenure, Democrats have backed down. Now California activists are taking it upon themselves to revive The California Universal Healthcare Act through grassroots organizing and networking. Organizers are hoping to attract attention and spread awareness of healthcare crisis for the 99% through a New Orleans Style Funeral March and Speak Out happening on Monday at Pershing Square in downtown LA. Also on Monday, organizers are holding a rally on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento to lobby state lawmakers.
GUEST: Kelly Vitzthum, Media Officer with the California Health Professional Student Alliance’s (CaHPSA)
There will be a New Orleans style funeral, followed by a Speak Out and Rally on Monday December 9th, 2012 at 11 am at Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA. People are encouraged to bring their stories and photos relating to health insurance nightmares.
There will also be a Lobby Day in Sacramento for Single Payer Health care on Monday December 9th.
Visit www.healthycaliforniacampaign.org for more information.
One Response to “Activists Push Single Payer Healthcare in California”
We need to remove the insurance companies from the health care business. They take 40% of every dollar spent on health care. Medicare only use 7%. That extra 33% could be effectively used to insure the uninsured creating healthier Americans and a healthier workforce.