As of 10/24/07: Senator Sheila Kuehl’s (D-Santa Monica) health reform proposal (SB 840) aims to provide affordable health coverage for all Californians by creating a new single-payer system. This new government-administered system would replace private health insurers and would provide a uniform, comprehensive set of benefits for all. A new California Health Insurance System Commissioner would negotiate and set rates for health care services, prescription drugs, and medical supplies.

Companion legislation, SB 1014, would finance the proposal via new payroll taxes (anticipated at three to four percent for individuals and eight percent for employers), an additional income tax on those earning more than $200,000, and anticipated administrative and other savings. The proposal includes specific elements to help control health care costs. 

 
The Proposal

Summary of the Proposal's Features The Full Proposal (PDF)

Status

Senator Kuehl re-introduced SB 840 on February 23, 2007. The bill was not brought before the legislature for a vote during the regular session and is not under consideration in the special session (as of 10/24/07).

Official Legislative Information for SB 840: History and Status

 
Analysis

Senate floor analysis, 6/4/07. 

Senate Committee on Appropriations, Bill analysis, 5/14/07.

Senate Committee on Health, Bill analysis, 4/18/07. 

Supporting Materials from Senator Kuehl


Additional Materials

Senator Sheila Kuehl, "California Speaks: We want single payer," 8/17/07.

Listen to Senator Kuehl discuss her proposal, as well as a larger conversation on health care reform with Marian Mulkey of the California HealthCare Foundation and Chris Ohman of the California Association of Health Plans on "Which Way, LA?"