Every therapist owes it to herself or himself and to his or her clients to support Single Payer, the only fair, humane, and economical solution to the healthcare crisis in this country. In a Single Payer/Medicare-for-All system, clients get the treatment they need, and therapists get paid a fair remuneration, without the hassle and expense of wading through confusing, ever-changing insurance plans, dealing with insurance panels, denials, etc. Give this summary of SB 562, a bill currently in the California legislature a read, then pick up the phone and call California State Senator Ed Hernandez, the chair of the Senate Health Committee, at 916-651-4022 and urge him to vote for and support SB 562. The hearing for SB 562 is on April 26 so it is urgent to call now. Let his office know you are a therapist and you believe health care is a human right.
SB 562 SUMMARY
The premise behind this bill is that health care, like education, is a human right.
Section 1, (a) (1) All residents of this state have the right to health care. page 3/lines 4-10.
It will be run by an executive board.
100610. (a) The Healthy California Board shall be an independent public entity not affiliated with an agency or department. The board shall be governed by an executive board consisting of nine members who are residents of California. 9/17-20
Everybody in, nobody out.
100620. (a) Every resident of the state shall be eligible and entitled to enroll as a member under the program. 18/14
Everything is covered, and medical decisions are made by the provider.
100630. (a) Covered health care benefits under the program include all medical care determined to be medically appropriate by the member’s health care provider. 18/28-30
There is a list of 34 specified services.
(b) Covered health care benefits for members shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following: (including)
(14) Mental health services.
(15) Substance abuse treatment. 19/15-16
All providers are included, no more panels. Clients have free choice of provider.
100635. (a) (1) Any health care provider who is licensed to practice in California and is otherwise in good standing is qualified to participate in the program as long as the health care provider’s services are performed within the State of California.
(b) Any health care provider qualified to participate under this section may provide covered health care services under the program, as long as the health care provider is legally authorized to perform the health care service for the individual and under the circumstances involved.
(c) A member may choose to receive health care services under the program from any participating provider. 20/34
Recognizes import of adequate provider payment.
100639(a) … All payment rates under the program shall be reasonable and reasonably related to the cost of efficiently providing the health care service and ensuring an adequate and accessible supply of health care services. 25/23-6
It will be financed through existing federal programs already paid by taxes, plus additional taxes as necessary. No premiums, copays, or deductibles. Two economists are preparing a fiscal analysis of the bill, and the exact amounts will be clarified.
100650. (a) The board shall seek all federal waivers and other federal approvals and arrangements and submit state plan amendments as necessary to operate the program consistent with this title. 30/11
100655. (a) The Healthy California Trust Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury for the purposes of this title. 33/12
100657. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would develop a revenue plan, taking into consideration anticipated federal revenue available for the program. 34/28
We can collectively bargain to negotiate payments and other issues, so we will have a voice in what we get paid. We can discuss payments among ourselves.
100662. (a) Health care providers may meet and communicate for the purpose of collectively negotiating with Healthy California on any matter relating to Healthy California, including, but not limited to, rates of payment for health care services, rates of payment for prescription and nonprescription drugs, and payment methodologies. 35/34
(1) Health care providers may communicate with other health care providers regarding the terms and conditions to be negotiated with HC. 36/15
