Calif. bill would put state in charge of prices in commercial health care market
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In one of the most aggressive efforts in the nation to curb soaring health care spending, a California measure introduced Monday would put the state in charge of setting prices for hospital stays, doctor's visits and most other medical services covered by commercial insurers.
The bill, backed by labor unions and consumer groups, is certain to rouse fierce opposition from physicians and hospitals, setting the stage for a brawl between some of the Capitol's top lobbying heavyweights. Proponents also face friction on the left from advocates of single-payer health care, who espouse an alternate vision of how to overhaul the state's health care.
Despite the political hurdles, an effort to rein in prices is tantalizing for policymakers, as health care costs gobble up more of state budgets, employers' bottom lines and workers' paychecks.
"It's quite bold,"
