California Democrats vote to raise healthcare premiums: Some by 97 percent

Assemblymember Carl DeMaio today blasted Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats for approving a state budget that will increase health insurance costs on California families already struggling under the state's cost-of-living crisis.

"California families are already getting crushed by the cost of living, but California Democrats have voted to increase their already high healthcare premiums – all so illegal immigrants can receive free health coverage," DeMaio said.

On June 15, California Democrats voted down a budget amendment offered by DeMaio and backed unanimously by Assembly Republicans that would have restored premium subsidies for middle class families.

Without these subsidies some families will see their premiums almost double – with the average premiums under Covered California increasing by up to 97 percent.

On top of rejecting DeMaio's proposed premium subsidies, Democrats imposed a massive Managed Care Organization premium tax that will cost the typical family of four $425 per year.

DeMaio's amendment would have funded the premium subsidies for California middle class families by cutting the free healthcare for illegal immigrants.

"California Democrats showed they are willing to increase healthcare costs on struggling middle-class citizens so they can give freebies out to illegal immigrants," DeMaio adds.

DeMaio called Democrats out for their hypocrisy on health insurance costs – noting that they are trying to shift the blame for their excessive healthcare regulations and taxes to Donald Trump.

"When offered a chance to provide a complete backfill for reduced federal health premium subsidies, California Democrats voted the proposal down – so they are now exclusively to blame for any increased premium costs on families," DeMaio noted.

DeMaio also slammed Democrats for failing to reform costly regulations and mandates that have increased the costs of providing health care.

A recent study by the Transparency Foundation showed the average ER visit costs $3,238 in California versus just $682 in Maryland. The average ambulance ride costs $2,407 in California versus just $661.50 in North Carolina.

"California Democrats have imposed insane regulations and mandates that have made providing healthcare completely unaffordable – and they refuse to consider any reforms to reduce costs" DeMaio adds.

"Newsom and legislative Democrats had a choice: provide relief to struggling California families or continue gifting billions of free healthcare for illegal immigrants," DeMaio states. "They chose to make citizens pay more."

About Carl DeMaio

California State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio is a member of the California State Assembly representing District 75 which includes the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, Ramona, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Julian, Borrego Springs, Pala, Jamul, Pine Valley, Pauma Valley and Bonita.