For Californians Drowning in Healthcare Costs, Governor’s Race Offers Few Answers
In California, healthcare costs are rising faster than income and inflation, and 4 in 10 adults in the state say they’re paying down medical debt. With the governor’s race in full swing, it’s still not clear what the candidates would do to fix it.
For Californians grappling with mounting healthcare expenses, the upcoming gubernatorial race offers few concrete answers. Ashley Porter, a San Francisco Bay Area resident diagnosed with multiple sclerosis four years ago, found herself overwhelmed by a $180,000 hospital bill despite insurance coverage. Her family now spends over $75,000 annually on medical costs, a quarter of their gross income.
Nationwide, over 40% of adults struggle to afford care as insurance premiums and hospital prices outpace inflation. While most voters desire government intervention, the candidates' proposals lack specifics on funding or implementation. Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis at the California Health Care Foundation, notes that voters are "hungry for aggressive action" on healthcare spending.
Xavier Becerra, the frontrunner, promises to negotiate lower drug prices, address anticompetitive practices, and reinstate expired ACA tax credits. However, these are national priorities, not within a governor's jurisdiction. Steve Hilton, Hilton's opponent, advocates for state laws on price transparency and replacing Medi-Cal with personal healthcare accounts, both unlikely to succeed in a predominantly Democratic statehouse.
Becerra accused Sutter Health of price gouging in a landmark antitrust case, winning a $575 million fine. While the settlement may have dissuaded similar practices, competition among healthcare providers continues to surge, driving up costs. Both candidates declined requests for interview, leaving voters to grapple with the uncertainty of how California's healthcare market will be addressed under their potential leadership.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
