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Single payer health plan legislation proposed

From the Globe Health Desk

Representatives from state legislators and medical service providers recently discussed the merits of proposed legislation they say will impact the health care needs of millions of Californians.

   Senate Bill 840 — the California Universal Health Care Act — offers a “single payer health care coverage plan that is fair,” said Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, one of the bill’s sponsors.
    The measure was discussed during a recent forum in Berkeley, where Senator Sheila Kuehl’s legislative Analyst Sara Rogers served as the keynote presenter.
    Kuehl is chair of the Senate Health Committee. “We need to make sure more of the 6.5 million people in the state with health care insurance get some coverage,” said Rogers.
    The forum was hosted by East Bay For Democracy.
    Supporters said what is needed now is a grassroots movement and more lobbying efforts to make sure the bill becomes law.
    Critics of the measure include insurance companies who say the plan is too costly and not practical.