We all know it: CA health care costs are too high
One major reason is because big health systems are taking over more and more small, local practices and hospitals, making CA care less affordable. This is leading to less competition, higher prices, and profit-driven cuts to essential services.
Californians can’t afford their care.
Costs are rising faster than inflation and Californians can’t keep up. While we pay more for our health care, we’re also seeing reductions in access and quality. Many Californians are forced to travel long distances for care or delay care all together.
For example, Monterey County has some of the highest priced hospitals in the state and the country, yet 2/3 of the workforce earns low wages in agriculture and hospitality. Costs are so high that many insurers in the area can’t afford to have local hospitals in-network, forcing residents to drive an hour or more for treatments.
Take Action
Read more about this major market failure in Monterey County…
Fight back!
A new state Office of Health Care Affordability is working to cap health care spending increases for the entire health care industry. They have already set a statewide standard of 3% growth in the coming years, which aligns health care spending with the growth in median household income. This means health care growth cannot outpace what Californians earn.
But we can do more, particularly in regions where costs are already out of control.
Demand better from the health care industry. Require that they provide quality care WITHOUT spiking costs.
Learn more about the OHCA Board Meeting in Monterey this month and sign our petition to learn how to attend to make your voice heard!