Single-payer healthcare meets its fate again in the face of California's massive budget deficit

Assembly Bill 2200, named CalCare, aimed to set up a universal single-payer healthcare system in California but died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The $392 billion annual cost clashed with the state's $45 billion deficit.

Lawmakers, including Chair Buffy Wicks, acknowledged the merit of a single-payer system but faced difficulties due to the current budget deficit. Wicks emphasized the necessity of balancing the budget, leading to the bill's demise.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra supported the California Nurses Association in advocating for single-payer healthcare, highlighting the ongoing advocacy efforts despite the recent defeat of the bill.

Read at Los Angeles Times