FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         
April 25, 2017                                                                

CONTACTS
Alan Haffa, Chair
Monterey County Democratic Central Committee
831-648-1690

Erin Fogg, Communications Director
Monterey County Democratic Central Committee
831-402-0871

 

Monterey Democrats Unanimously Endorse Healthy California Act (SB 562)
 
SALINAS, CA  - Local Democrats voted unanimously tonight to endorse SB 562, The Healthy California Act of California which is coauthored by local Assemblymember Mark Stone (AD29).

"Heathcare for all is fundamental to the Democratic platform," said Monterey County Democrats Chair Alan Haffa. "Access to quality care is a basic human right, not a privilege to be enjoyed by the few who can afford it. It is high time our legislators take real, significant action to provide fair and equal basic care for all Californians."

When enacted, the Healthy California Act will guarantee that every resident of California will receive comprehensive healthcare services. It's like Medicare for All. Individuals will have free choice of licensed health professionals and services. Covered benefits will include services to keep people healthy - mentally and physically - as well as those services that diagnose and treat diseases. In addition to emergency services, surgeries, and hospital stays, services such as home healthcare, day care and hospice are covered. Vision and dental care are also included. The Healthy California Act has been crafted to provide a single high standard of safe, therapeutic care for all California residents in a manner that is financially sustainable: 

  • Choose any provider. No more surprise bills. No out-of-pocket costs for covered services. 
  • Eliminates co-pays for Medicare Part B. 
  • Lower prescription drug costs. 
  • Regional planning to reduce overlap and duplication of expensive equipment and facilities. 
  • Provider rates which will replace and improve upon Medi-Cal rates, will be negotiated to ensure access, cost control and high-value services. 
  • The advances from the Affordable Care Act will be folded into the new system. 
  • Huge cost-savings from reduced bureaucracy. No more insurance company runaround. No more bill collectors. 
  • Diverse participants including ordinary citizens and representatives of labor and business, as well as various health care professionals and health policy experts, will advise and help design the Healthy California program.
  • A Healthy California premium, which is higher for upper income earners, would replace insurance company premiums, co-pays and deductibles-likely resulting in significant out-of-pocket net savings. 



###

STAY CONNECTED: