Thread by @healthaccess

California's Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Assemblymember @JimWoodAD2, about to begin. First hearing of the year, to hear bills introduced last year--including, most notably, #AB1400, the single-payer health system policy proposal #CalCare.

You can watch the CA Assembly Health Committee hearing, including the discussion on the single-payer health care proposal #AB1400 (@Ash_Kalra) slated for later in the afternoon, here: assembly.ca.gov/media/4202-vid…

@Ash_Kalra The debate on #AB1400 starts in Assembly Health Committee. Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra opens by detailing the costs of our current health system: "What is the status quo and why does it need to change?" #CalCare

@Ash_Kalra Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra knowledges the health reform work of chair @JimWoodAD2 and Assemblymember @drarambulaAD31, and says he's happy for the #Health4All Medi-Cal expansion in the Governor's #CABudget, as an investment in our public health care and for compassion's sake, but..

In support of #AB1400, Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra says that compassionate and important reform steps should not mean we accept the overall status quo. "We are being fleeced, and far too many feel helpless about it." #CalCare

@Ash_Kalra Rebutting the notion that the pandemic isn't the time to make the changes called for in #AB1400, Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra says that the opponents say it's never the time, and #COVID19 crisis has highlighted the problems in our health system that need to be addressed. #CalCare

#AB1400 co-author Assemblymember @SantiagoAD53 cited two dozen efforts to improve health care passed in CA Assembly Health Committee, and that #CalCare is an extension of the conversation, "Is there a better way to do health care in California?"

Calling in, @AdyBarkan of @BeAHero testifies for #AB1400, talking of his diagnosis of ALS. "I knew our health care system was broken.. but my experience with my disease clarified it.... My insurance denied me a ventilator, and two weeks after that, to a FDA-approved drug.."

At the Assembly Health Committee, @AdyBarkan of @BeAHero testifies in support of #AB1400: “#California can lead the nation to a more just future, like we have done on environmental protection and marriage equality. We should do the same on health care.”

Carmen Consti of @CalNurses, sponsor of #AB1400, describes the details of #CalCare, chapter by chapter, so Californians see "no more extracting corporate wealth from our health."

@CalNurses Opposition from America's Physician Groups argues that #AB1400 (@Ash_Kalra) would go "backward" in how health providers are paid; @CalChamber argues against the taxes needed to fund #CalCare (even if they would replace premiums and cost-sharing).

@CalNurses @Ash_Kalra @CalChamber After Assembly Health chair @JimWoodAD2 hears 90 minutes of public comment, he asks about timing. @Ash_Kalra says #AB1400 is a "first step" in a process that includes federal waivers with a "5-year runway" & a constitutional amendment to be approved on a ballot, 2024 at earliest.

Assemblymember @JimWoodAD2 talks of his experience in the health care system as a dentist in a rural community. "I feel that the entire health care system has forgotten its oath, and lost its way." Patients are "angry, scared, and desperate.. their anger is justified." #AB1400

@JimWoodAD2 Assembly Health Committee chair @JimWoodAD2 says there are real challenges that #AB1400 needs to address, but supports the bill as a catalyst for change. To opponents, he challenges, "Offer us a solution. No is not the answer." Here's the 60+page analysis: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billAnal…

Assemblymember @AsmCarrillo moves #AB1400, and @Asm_Nazarian seconds. First Assemblymember to oppose is @HeathFloraCA, citing the potential impact on workers. #CalCare author @Ash_Kalra, chair of the Labor Committee, cites support of @CaliforniaLabor Federation, and why it helps.

@AsmCarrillo @Asm_Nazarian @HeathFloraCA @Ash_Kalra @CaliforniaLabor Responding to GOP Assemblymembers charge that #AB1400 would take away current coverage with a replacement with uncertain funding. Assemblymember Kalra responds "this doesn't go into effect until financing is resolved," and how #CalCare would provide more comprehensive benefits.

Assemblymember @AsmAguiarCurry says she will give a "reluctant" vote for #AB1400, but expresses displeasure at lack of amendments to address concerns raised, including several she raises. Assemblymember @Freddie4AD52 Rodriguez also wants Qs answered about pensions, waivers, etc.

@AsmAguiarCurry @Freddie4AD52 GOP Vice Chair @MarieWaldron75 says "we all agree the status quo is broken," but opposes #AB1400. "The costs are impossible to ignore." She cites Tenncare & other state reforms that weren't single-payer, & other countries, even though they have better metrics, especially on cost.

Assemblymember Burke, chair of Assembly Revenue & Tax, expresses concerns, says #AB1400 could be an "empty symbol" if not joined with financing. But also says, "had the opposition worked on cost containment, we wouldn't be here."

Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra says that listened to concerns, the majority of #AB1400 issues were about financing, and he cites that of all the previous single-payer bills over many years, he's the first to actually put forward a funding proposal, in #ACA11, which will be discussed.

@Ash_Kalra In closing on #AB1400, Assemblymember @Ash_Kalra says he's "available and accessible" and "this is a starting point in a longer process... I take this very seriously." Talks about bringing comprehensive health coverage to all, "in a way that's dignified, that saves money."

@Ash_Kalra BREAKING: CA Assembly Health Committee votes to pass #AB1400, the single-payer #CalCare health system bill, on a 11-3 vote. The vote is party-line, with Democrats in support, with Assemblymember Maienschein not voting. The bill now goes to Assembly Appropriations Committee.