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California Gubernatorial Candidates Face Rising Health Care Costs: Implications for Voters

Update A Year of Reckoning for California's Health Care Costs As the California gubernatorial election approaches, a prominent issue has taken center stage: the soaring costs of health care. During a recent forum in Riverside on November 7, Democratic candidates presented their visions for the future but faced significant challenges in detailing how they would actualize their promises. According to a statewide poll from the California Wellness Foundation, nearly 80% of voters expressed concerns about health care expenses, with a staggering 72% feeling that capping out-of-pocket costs should be a priority for the next governor. The anxiety surrounding health care costs is palpable among Californians, many of whom report a financial struggle to maintain adequate medical coverage amidst rising living costs. The Candidates’ Commitments and Contradictions During the forum, Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra reiterated his ambition to be California's “health care governor,” promising to lower costs and increase access. Meanwhile, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond proposed a single-payer system, which would pool resources under one universal program. Former state Controller Betty Yee emphasized her commitment to “build back better” after federal health care cuts but did not clarify how. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa acknowledged the uphill battle, noting, “I’m not gonna sell you snake oil.” He pledged his commitment to preserving safety net services dismantled by Republican policies, an affirmation of the critical need for health care as a centerpiece of the upcoming election. Despite their promises, the specificity and feasibility of candidates’ plans were notable absentees. As inflationary pressures mount—including an aging population and rising chronic conditions—the strategies proposed remain largely sketchy. Various analysts have indicated that these elements contribute significantly to financial distress for millions of Californians. Public Sentiment Shaping the Race Public sentiment has clearly indicated that health care issues will be a deciding factor in the election. The poll underscores the widely shared belief among voters that affordable mental health care and support for caring for aging family members are also critical components. The outcome of the election could very well hinge on the candidates’ ability to convincingly address these interconnected issues. The recent approval of a sales tax measure in Santa Clara County to mitigate federal cuts in health and food programs serves as an early signal that Californians are ready to act in support of health care initiatives. The Challenges Facing California's Health Care System Indeed, California’s health care system has been under strain, reflected in significant health care expenditures and challenges in obtaining sufficient coverage. Rising family premiums for employer-based insurance are reaching almost $27,000 annually, further squeezing budgets. The candidates acknowledged this reality. They suggest that raising taxes might be necessary to fund expansions in health care services, despite the political implications such actions might entail. Villaraigosa’s proposal to “grow the pie” economically reflects an optimistic approach but lacks specific mechanisms for implementation. The Broader National Context California’s struggles reflect a wider national narrative in which voters increasingly prioritize health care in their electoral decisions. Recent exit polls reveal that health care ranks among the top priorities for voters in various states, indicating that the issue cuts across party lines. Amid federal decisions impacting Medicaid and Medicare, candidates are keenly aware of the powerful relationship between state and federal governments when it comes to health care funding. With millions at stake, this election is not merely about promises but about the reality of existing policies and their impacts on everyday lives. Preparing for the Future Going into the primary on June 2 and the general election on November 3, candidates must confront the realities of California’s health care crises. How they approach these discussions will determine not just their immediate success in the election but also their potential legacy as leaders in a state wrestling with escalating health care challenges. As both candidates and voters engage in this crucial discussion, it is clear that health care affordability will remain at the forefront, shaping the narrative of California politics for the foreseeable future.