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SACRAMENTO, CA – Jun 30^th 2023 – The Sacramento Association for Health Underwriters (SAHU) would like to extend its gratitude to all its dedicated members who actively participated in NABIP’s Operation Shout to oppose SB 770, a bill aimed at financing a state-run health care system in California.

Despite the tremendous efforts and numerous communications from CAHIP members, SB 770, which seeks to advance Single Payer Health Care system in California, has successfully passed the Assembly Health Committee and is now progressing to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

If enacted, legislation would establish a workgroup with the goal of petitioning the federal government to redirect significant funding, potentially amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, from Medicare and Medi-Cal.  The intention behind this redirection would be to support the implementation of a state-run health care system, which has yet to undergo comprehensive testing, including an assessment of its potential costliness.

SAHU kindly urges all its members and non-members to take the time to review the details of SB 770. You can find the fully written Bill here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml

We encourage you to talk to your Assemblymember about the potential implications it may have.  If you would like to join SAHU in expressing opposition, we invite you to visit the following link https://nabip.quorum.us/campaign/48542 and participate in Operation Shout. Your voice holds significance, and your participation can potentially contribute to the outcome of this bill.

If you are not a member of SAHU, click here- https://cahip-norcal.org/benefits to learn more about our great organization and how you can join.

If you are interested in supporting our PAC contribution, click here: https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/CAHUPAC/

In the coming weeks, SAHU will diligently provide updates on the progress of SB 770 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. We assure you that we will keep you informed of any developments as soon as the information becomes available, with the latest update expected no later than September 1, 2023.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

SACRAMENTO, CA- May 8-10^th 2023 – Members of SAHU (Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters) attended the annual Capitol Summit held by California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), reporting back a warning against the implementation of a state-run health care system.  

SAHU strongly opposes – SB 770: a proposed legislation that would create a costly and untested state-run health care system.  SAHU emphasizes that implementing SB 770 would eliminate existing Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, leaving millions of Californians without essential health care coverage.   SAHU warns that SB 770 does not introduce new providers or facilities, potentially leading to longer wait times for procedures, reduced access to specialists, and a loss of doctors to other states. The association urges the Legislature to pursue constructive and viable solutions to enhance access to affordable health care.

SB 770 is the first step towards a single-payer health care system, which not only eliminates Medicare and Medi-Cal but also prohibits private health coverage, including employer-sponsored plans. The projected cost of over $500 billion per year would require significant tax increases on individuals, employers, and small businesses.

CAHIP states in its own talking points of this year’s Summit, that there has been “progress made in expanding access to affordable health coverage in California since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Californians are satisfied with their health care and prefer to build upon this progress, preserving their ability to choose private coverage for their families.” 

To read more about CAHIP’s Capitol Summit talking points, visit their website- https://www.cahu.org/cahip-capitol-summit-talking-points.

SAHU Supports AB 716: Protecting Californians from Costly Surprise Billing for Ambulance Services.  SAHU stands behind AB 716, a vital legislative measure aimed at safeguarding injured Californians from burdensome balance bills and resolving billing disputes for emergency ground ambulance services beyond their control. 

By passing AB 716, Californians will be protected from excessive out-of-pocket expenses and relieved from the complexities of billing disputes between health plans and ground ambulance service providers. This legislation is crucial in addressing the common practice of surprise billing, or “balance billing,” which often leaves injured individuals in the midst of billing disputes for essential services.

ON WATCH– SAHU is also closely monitoring AB 1690, a “spot bill” lacking substance and a funding source for a proposed government monopoly on health care.  SAHU advocates for market stabilization strategies and supports AB 716, which aims to protect Californians from expensive balance billing for emergency services.

Dave Fear Jr., SAHU Legislative chair says this, “Addressing our elected legislators, whether in DC or Sacramento, is such an important part of our governmental system. Being able to meet face to face and let them know who we are, what we do and how we work to make things better is a fundamental part of citizenship in this country!”  SAHU maintains a steadfast commitment to actively engage and participate in relevant legislative proceedings and keeping the public informed with accurate information. 

If you are interested in learning more about current health insurance industry news and legislative updates, please visit our website, https://cahip-norcal.org.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com.