One obstacle for the latest California single-payer healthcare proposal: Gov. Gavin Newsom, writes columnist LATimesSkelton
It seems to face a very bumpy road ahead that, at this juncture, looks to be probably impassable.The governor is taking a more pragmatic approach toward universal coverage, pushing something that’s very doable politically: allowing all low-income immigrants living in the country illegally to be eligible for the state’s Medi-Cal healthcare program.
But it would require by far the largest state tax increase in history, estimated at $163 billion. The tax hike would need to be approved by voters. The concept is called “single payer” because only one entity would pay for healthcare — in this case, state government. There’d be no premiums, copays or deductibles. Just big tax hits. The state would also need to persuade Washington to turn over to Sacramento all the Medicare and Medi-Cal money the feds currently spend in California.
This strikes some lawmakers as a less-than-honest way to legislate, even though the single-payer bill couldn’t take effect until the tax hike did. “I’m going to push the envelope, lean on this and see how far we can take it,” Newsom told me just before the election, wisely making no promise.