The Alaska House of Representatives rejected a proposal by Rep. Andrew Gray to implement a universal health care system open to all residents without regard to cost. Gray’s amendment, ruled out of order by Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton and upheld by a 23-14 vote, sought to create a single-payer system. Gray views this as the first step towards legislative action in 2025 and sees it as a priority for the upcoming fall elections.
Gray’s proposal would have required the Alaska Department of Health to design and implement a single-payer health care program covering comprehensive health services. However, Sen. David Wilson pointed out technical flaws in the amendment and highlighted the need for Alaska to transition from a fee-for-service model to managed care before implementing universal health care.
Despite Gray’s efforts, the U.S. remains the only developed country without a universal health care system, and no American state has successfully implemented one. California and Vermont both considered single-payer systems in the past but faced challenges over cost concerns and budget deficits.
Alaskans spent an average of $13,462 per person on healthcare in 2020, and Gray estimates a single-payer system in Alaska would cost around $10,000 per person based on California’s expenses. While Gray’s proposal was not successful, it sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare reform in the state and the country as a whole.
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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
