The Office of Health Care Affordability, (OHCA), is a relatively new office tucked inside one department of California’s Health and Human Services Agency. Its three stated aims are to “slow spending growth, promote high value, and assess market consolidation”.
Doctors James G. Kahn, moderator, and Ana Malinow, presenter, are both single-payer advocates. Along with participating panelists, they will share information about the office and the actions it has taken so far and share their views about how it might impact healthcare in the state.
Until we shift to a single payer system, it looks like this office will be a focal point for proposing reductions in healthcare spending and changes in provider payment models. It will also study the effects that market consolidation is having on our healthcare.
To get some background and more out of the forum, you can acquaint yourself with the part of the bill SB 184 – Health that created OHCA in 2022. Scroll down to Section 19, and begin with part 127500.5. This section describes existing healthcare problems and needs along with the intentions and structure of the office.
This forum is hosted by The Movement to End the Privatization of Medicare.