California Gov. Gavin Newsom is tackling the state’s hospitals, doctors’ offices and insurance companies rising costs through the proposed creation of an Office of Health Care Affordability, writes ABC News. At least four other states — Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island and Oregon — have similar offices. But California would have the power to impose major fines for violations.
The proposed office is expected to gather data from the state’s healthcare system, but much of it would remain private to protect sensitive information. The governor and California General Assembly would appoint eight experts to a board that would set cost targets in regions across the state (Beckers Hospital Review).
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