The upcoming gubernatorial election in California is causing a stir among residents, with the cost of health care emerging as a key concern. The field of primary candidates is still taking shape, but the focus on health care costs is already at the forefront.
During a recent forum in the Inland Empire, four Democratic candidates competing to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged to address Republican cuts to health care programs and improve access to medical care, including mental health services. However, concrete plans on how to lower health care costs were scarce.
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa all made commitments to enhance health care in California. Becerra vowed to be the state’s next “health care governor,” while Thurmond proposed a single-payer health care system. Yee promised to tailor the health care system to California’s diverse communities, and Villaraigosa pledged to fight for safety net health care despite limited state resources.
The candidates’ promises come in response to various factors driving up health care costs, including provider price hikes, an aging population, rising chronic conditions, and medical advancements. These inflationary pressures are exacerbating financial challenges for Californians, especially given the state’s high cost of living and recent inflation spike.
A recent poll commissioned by the California Wellness Foundation revealed that nearly 80% of likely voters are concerned about health care costs. Access to affordable mental health care and support for aging family members or friends were also top priorities. In Santa Clara County, voters passed a sales tax to offset federal cuts to food and health care safety net programs, indicating a strong desire for improved health care affordability.
While some candidates expressed openness to raising taxes to fund health care programs, others focused on economic growth to expand resources. The issue of single-payer care was also raised during the forum, with candidates supporting the concept but acknowledging challenges in implementation.
Federal policies pose significant threats to health care costs and accessibility, with looming Medicaid spending reductions and premium increases for ACA plans. Californians with employer-based coverage are also facing steep premium hikes, adding to financial strain.
As the primary election approaches in June, the Democratic and Republican candidates are vying for voters’ support by addressing health care affordability issues. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla have ruled out running, while other candidates like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton are focusing on affordability concerns in their campaigns.
The California primary on June 2 and general election on Nov. 3 will ultimately determine the state’s next leader, with health care costs likely to remain a top priority for voters.
