Green Party of California applauds bold universal health care plan designed to lower costs, cover all state residents

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 14, 2005

Contacts:
Cres Vellucci, State Press Office, 916-996-1970,
Beth Moore Haines, GPCA Spokesperson, 530-277-0610,
Kevin McKeown, GPCA Spokesperson, 310-393-3639,
Sara Amir, GPCA Spokesperson, 310-270-7106,

SACRAMENTO (February 14, 2005) – The Green Party of California Monday said a new report indicating about 50 percent of health care spending is unnecessary supports soon-to-be-introduced legislation here that will provide health care for all Californians, and still save the state billions of dollars.

According to a report by Boston University, half of all health care spending do not go to treat the sick, but for insurance company profits, excessive drug prices and unneeded administrative costs.

The GPCA has long supported universal health care as a way to cover all Californians. Legislation that meets that goal is about to be introduced by state Sen. Sheila Kuehl's, whose plan would consolidate hundreds of health plans in the state into one which would cover all California residents without increasing spending.

That analysis came from yet another report – this one by the independent Lewin Group – that concluded Kuehl's plan would afford residents comprehensive, affordable insurance with medical, dental, vision, surgical and prescription drug coverage and still save California $8 billion the first year and $344 billion over 10 years.

"Santa Monica and the Green Party are proud of Senator Kuehl's leadership on universal health care," said Santa Monica City Councilmember Kevin McKeown.

"Providing high-quality affordable coverage for all Californians while saving money should be immediately embraced by the Legislature and the Governor," he added.

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The Green Party of California
http://www.cagreens.org
P.O. Box 2828, Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
gpca@greens.org