When the single payer bill, SB 562, (Lara/Atkins), was introduced last month, the bill was a really just a short statement which had little information about how the legislation was to be implemented.　 Last week, it was amended with more substantial details.　 This legislation attempts to promise all healthcare services to be available ”free’ to anyone within California’s borders. SB 562 also plans to provide services such as dental, vision and health care necessary under workers compensation system will be included and all Californians will have free choice of any health care provider.

Proponents also state that this will…

• Be paid for by throwing all federal and state health benefit program dollars into one giant Trust fund
• Also imposing new payroll and income taxes, which are promised to be higher for upper income earners.
• Employer paid health coverage will be prohibited, as will health insurance agents, among many other provisions.