California is a leader in technology, the environment, and citywide indigent healthcare. Now it’s setting its sights on innovative statewide healthcare leadership. The state senate brought that goal one step closer today, passing universal healthcare bill SB 810 by a vote of 22-14. The US House might want to take notice of what happens when you actually bring a quality single-payer bill to a vote.

Senator Mark Leno authored SB 810 with the objective of covering all state residents in a single-payer system that they are required to pay into but that has no additional copayments, deductibles, or pre-existing condition exclusions. Single payer obviously means private insurers would go the way of the dinosaur in California, replaced by a non-profit insurance fund. That’s what makes the 22 ‘yes’ votes so astonishing – do special interests not have the same influence in the state senate as they do in its national cousin?

Perhaps it’s the fact that SB 810 is expected to cost businesses and individuals less than the current Swiss cheese-type coverage; maybe that swayed those lawmakers. Yes, this universal healthcare system will cover doctor and hospital care, prescription medications, mental health, medical equipment, dental, and eye care. It’s the most comprehensive American health plan ever conceived. More services, less cost – a winning combination. Providers will still be privately organized, but will be paid from public funds.

The next hurdle the bill will encounter is passage through the state assembly sometime this year. Until then there will be a massive grassroots campaign to educate the public on the benefits and importance of this effort. Lest folks get bored, a new TV spot will air daily for 365 straight days. Why such a hard push? Similar bills, passed by a 62% majority, have been vetoed by the Governator. So this time around, the goal is a 67% super-majority.

Stay tuned for new SB 810 developments from the Golden State. This could be the leadership the US needs to get its healthcare act together.

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