Column: California Democrats are trying again for universal healthcare. It’s a debate well worth having

Assemblyman Ash Kalra discusses legislation during floor debate at the state Capitol in August 2019. Californians on Medicare would be shifted into the new state-run “CalCare.” No more Medicare in the nation’s most populous state. As advertised by CalCare proponents, most Californians would be better off under the new state plan: “No premiums, copays or deductibles … or other out-of-pocket costs.” But more benefits: “Including all primary and preventative care, hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental, vision, audiology, reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care, long-term services and … mental health and substance abuse treatment, laboratory and diagnostic services, ambulatory services and more. “I look forward to hearing Democrats explain how they plan to successfully take over more than 10% of the state’s economy when in the last decade they’ve proven themselves incapable of simple things like building a railroad, providing clean drinking water, keeping the lights on and filling potholes,” says Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Valley Center in San Diego County. He praised Covered California, which operates an expanded version of the federal Affordable Care Act, as “a model for the country.” He also called federal Medicare “a well-run system.” “Doctors and hospitals don’t like Medicare because the rates are lower,” Wood said.