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Today, in California, more than 6 million people live without health insurance. Day to day they struggle to survive while teetering on the brink of financial ruin. One unexpected hospitalization could wipe out their savings, their home, and quite possibly their future.
Such is the state of our broken health care system. Medical costs continue to soar unchecked, threatening to overwhelm new economic growth. Meanwhile, the increasing cost of coverage pushes more folks into the ranks of the uninsured. Far too many are forced to seek care in the most expensive manner possible - by showing up at local emergency rooms. And insurers are increasing deductibles and co-payments while stripping down coverage in a quest to fatten their profits. There are no real savings in this strategy. The expense burden is simply shifted onto consumers. That's why out-of-pocket medical expenses are now the number one cause of bankruptcies in our nation. It's a vicious cycle.
Such is the state of our broken health care system. Medical costs continue to soar unchecked, threatening to overwhelm new economic growth. Meanwhile, the increasing cost of coverage pushes more folks into the ranks of the uninsured. Far too many are forced to seek care in the most expensive manner possible - by showing up at local emergency rooms. And insurers are increasing deductibles and co-payments while stripping down coverage in a quest to fatten their profits. There are no real savings in this strategy. The expense burden is simply shifted onto consumers. That's why out-of-pocket medical expenses are now the number one cause of bankruptcies in our nation. It's a vicious cycle.
The solutions aren't easy, but they can be found. The state Legislature took a step this year by passing Senate Bin 840 by Senator Sheila Kuehl. It would have established the framework for a comprehensive system of coverage for all Californians. While some may take issue with certain elements, this is the type of solution that deserves the support of every Californian.
My Department has attacked the problem as well. I demanded that merger deals between health care giants be restructured to bring significant benefit to Californians before I would grant approval. As a result, more than $ 500 million was targeted toward improving health care access and quality across the state.
We also produced a comprehensive report titled, "Priced Out: The Crisis in California Health Care." It details the myriad problems plaguing our health care system and proposes more than 70 solutions to the crisis. You can get that report by going to my website: www.insurance.ca.gov.
For more than 30 years I have believed in and worked towards a universal health care program. I intend to continue working with the Legislature on laws and programs that bring comprehensive health care access to all Californians, and put people over profits every time.
My Department has attacked the problem as well. I demanded that merger deals between health care giants be restructured to bring significant benefit to Californians before I would grant approval. As a result, more than $ 500 million was targeted toward improving health care access and quality across the state.
We also produced a comprehensive report titled, "Priced Out: The Crisis in California Health Care." It details the myriad problems plaguing our health care system and proposes more than 70 solutions to the crisis. You can get that report by going to my website: www.insurance.ca.gov.
For more than 30 years I have believed in and worked towards a universal health care program. I intend to continue working with the Legislature on laws and programs that bring comprehensive health care access to all Californians, and put people over profits every time.
Another person in power that thinks universal health care is the right system for this country instead of trying to fix a current health care system that is beyond repair.
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