Summary: California recently inserted a private pharmacy benefits plan into Medi-Cal, despite evidence from other states that it adds costs. Thousands of patients have suffered
The McCanne Health Justice Monitor is produced by a team of health policy experts and single-payer champions. For more information, and a complete archive of entries, visit the HJM website. For an archive of Quote of the Day entries from Dr. Don McCanne, click here.
GOP Subversion of Democracy Curtails Abortion Rights
Summary: Yesterday was the end of the Roe era of federal protection of abortion rights. This is the culmination of decades of GOP anti-democratic efforts
Medi-Cal Expansion Not Enough
Summary: California’s Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented immigrants is laudatory … but is just a partial fix, leaving millions uncovered. It falls profoundly short of what
Single Payer Savings in California
Summary: An excellent commentary in The Nation reviews the cost advantages of single payer in California and generally, the current health care cost explosion, and
VA Better than Private Care on Mortality & Costs
Summary: An excellent study using a sophisticated research design (geeks: instrumental variable) finds that Veteran’s Affairs care lowers mortality by nearly half and costs by
Fee-for-Service vs. Capitation
Summary: Today we take a step back to consider a pivotal issue that arises in discussions of health reform generally and single payer specifically: Which
COVID-19 “Urgency of Normal” vs. Public Health Science
Summary: As the COVID Omicron variant subsides, and schools cautiously reopen, a tiny but vocal group of doctors is arguing to end all precautions, including
CMS Dumps DCEs … In Name Only
Summary: CMS apparently took to heart concerns about the privatization of traditional Medicare with DCEs, pivoting to a new program ACO REACH focused on equity
CBO on Single Payer Benefits to the Economy
Summary: The Congressional Budget Office just released a powerful report, highlighting multiple ways in which single payer would strengthen the economy. That’s right, not just
Ukraine Crisis
Summary: The world is roiling, with a Russian invasion of Ukraine. This appears to be the largest post-Cold War crisis in Europe, with huge risks.
Paul Farmer, Medical Visionary
Summary: Paul Farmer, an inspirational leader in global health, passed away, too young at 62. His powerful vision for social justice in health should guide
Single Payer 20/20 Vision: Advantages & Obstacles
Summary: Today we summarize what single payer offers, and the challenges to achieving it, using the arbitrary framework of 20-item lists. (With President’s Day on