Summary

This bill would establish the California Universal Healthcare System to be administered by the newly created California Universal Healthcare Agency under the control of a Universal Healthcare Commissioner appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. The bill would make all California residents eligible for specified health care benefits under the California Universal Healthcare System, which would, on a single-payer basis, negotiate for or set fees for health care services provided through the system and pay claims for those services. The bill would require the commissioner to seek all necessary waivers, exemptions, agreements, or legislation to allow various existing federal, state, and local health care payments to be paid to the California Universal Healthcare System, which would then assume responsibility for all benefits and services previously paid for with those funds.

Background

Last year this same bill was passed by both the Assembly and the Senate but was vetoed by the Governor. Senator Sheila Kuehl, with the support of working families, labor, and health care providers, is reintroducing SB 840 in order to provide a comprehensive solution to the health care problem facing California.

Additional Links