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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Public comment sought on proposal to limit growth in health-care costs

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Tuesday, February 20, 2024   

Health plan premiums and deductibles have risen sharply in recent years - so the state Office of Health Care Affordability is proposing to limit growth to 3% a year. A recent survey by Kaiser found that in 2023 the average employer-sponsored family plan cost almost $24,000 and $8,500 a year for individuals.

Chris Noble, organizing director with the nonprofit advocacy group Health Access California, said all entities within the health care system would be required to stay within that spending growth target or face the threat of financial penalties.

"It's not a reduction or a freeze of the health-care system spending, but really is a goal that the health-care industry should live within the same constraints as a median California family does - and not leave Californians in the dust," Noble said.

Public comment is open until March 11th - and Health Access's website has a tool
to help people let OHCA Board members know how medical bills affect their families. The 3% target has the support of a broad coalition of health, consumer, employer and labor groups. However, the California Hospital Association strongly objects, arguing that the change ignores cost drivers such as inflation and an aging population, and could reduce access to high-quality care.

Noble applauds the 3% target, which is pegged to the average growth in median wages.

"We're really focused on pairing this spending with what Californians are actually able to pay," Noble said. "Because what's the point of the health care system if the folks can't afford it and get the care that they need to live long, healthy lives?"

The OHCA board is expected to make a final decision by the end of March.

Disclosure: Health Access contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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