The California Single Payer Movement Paul Y. Song, MD Board Member – PNHP CALIFORNIA.

The California Single Payer Movement

Paul Y. Song, MDBoard Member – PNHP CALIFORNIA

The Problem In CAlifornia

• CA has the largest number of people in the US without health insurance – 6.9 million.

• Employees in businesses of all sizes in CA are more likely to be uninsured than in the US.

• Nearly 1/3 of the uninsured in CA have family incomes of $50,000 or more.

• 53% of CA’s uninsured children are in families where the head of the household worked full-time in 2010.

• 60% of the uninsured in CA are Latino.

SB 810The California Universal Care

Act

• Introduced February 18, 2011

• Author: State Senator Mark Leno

• Similar legislation has been passed twice before

• Both times vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger

• Requires no new spending

• CA Federation of Teachers estimates that SB 810 would save over $300 Million on healthcare costs

• SB 810 would save over $20 Billion in year one on reduced administrative costs and $29 Billion overall

SB 810 Legislative Digest

• Establishes California Healthcare System

• Creates California Healthcare Agency

• Healthcare Commissioner (appointed by Governor)

• Receives all healthcare payments

• Is the sole payer of healthcare costs

• Duplication of coverage for benefits provided by CHS is prohibited

SB 810 Chapter 7 (Other provisions)

• The division becomes operative when the Secretary of CA HHS notifies the Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the Assembly that the Healthcare Fund will have sufficient revenues, or receives the federal waiver, whichever date is later.

• Except the Premium Commission which goes into effect on Jan 1, 2012 if passed.

SB 810 Legislative Digest

• On 1/31/12 - Failed in the CA Senate 19-15 (two votes short!) – Six Democrats voted no or abstained!!!

Organizational Moves

• Strengthened PNHP CA • Increased our organizational capacity

• Active engaged board which meets monthly

• Increased our staff• Executive Director

• Education and Outreach Coordinator

• Shearer Student Fellow

• Development Consultant

• Grant Writing Intern

Added two local chapters – Humboldt/Del Norte and Sonoma

Increased donations through a annual Gala/Awards Ceremony and Launched a major donor program – Caregiver’s Circle

Coalition Building

• Campaign for a Healthy California• California Alliance for Retired Americans

• California Health Professional Student Alliance

• CA Nurses Association

• CA Onecare

• Communication Workers of America District 9

• Democracy for America

• Green Party

• Healthcare for All

• CA League Of Women Voters

• Progressive Democrats for America

• Single Payer Now

• PNHP CA

Coalition Building

• Worked closely with CA One care on fundraising, entertainment industry outreach, and building netroots.

• Created a new affiliates category for partnering organizations.

• Have connected with 28 different organizations and coalitions this years.

• Developed a new relationship with the Courage Campaign a 750,000 member grass roots progressive advocacy organization.

• CA Federation of Teachers – Instrumental on Prop 30.

Advocacy/Education

• Developed and grew our Speakers and Writers Bureaus.

• Community Clinic Outreach Program.

• California Health Professional Student Alliance.

• Grassroots advocacy (community roundtables, political events, undergraduate lectures, faith organizations).

• Introduced a resolution at the CMA to support single payer.

• Advocated for SB 810 and HR 676.

• Some members became more politically active and connected with single payer candidates.

Long Range Goals

• Continue to educate the public• Develop and package an effective message

• Use traditional and new media

• Continue to educate and recruit the entertainment industry

Grow the Coalition of Statewide Organizations

Reach out to small businesses and other non-traditional groups who are burdened by healthcare costs (minority groups, faith based organizations, etc.)

Elect Supportive Legislators

Form a PAC with teeth

Target key state assembly and senate races

Long Range Goals

• Prepare to defend against an insurance industry onslaught – advertising, ballot initiative, lobbying• Develop a field and media campaign

Obtain Federal Waivers

PPACA state innovation waiver in 2017

Medicaid, SCHIP, ERISA waivers

Medicare waiver (requires new federal legislation)

McDermott Bill

Develop a Watchdog Arm to prevent backsliding!

Funding?

•$50 Million over the next 5 years

• Funding Sources:• Super Major Donors• Labor• Foundations• Business Support • Netroots – micro donations