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Americans are worried about health insurance costs and are waking up to corrupt big business practices in health care, not only in health insurance but also in private equity.  Use of AI in health care is growing with minimal ethical guardrails and regulation. The damage caused by the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will impact Americans who already are struggling to pay for food and shelter. Some members of Congress are trying to extend the ACA subsidies but even if they are extended, it’s putting a bandaid on the hemorrhaging wound that is American health care.

This is the backdrop for the reintroduction of CalCare in 2026. We hope to see you on Zoom on January 13 when the California Nurses Association (CNA) reveals the campaign to pass CalCare – see details and sign up button below. 

Now it’s time for action. Coming soon to your inbox – a HC4US survey about taking action for CalCare. Volunteering is good for your health!

Sign Up for CNA’s CalCare Strategy Zoom Call 

Why: Learn about CNA’s plans to reintroduce CalCare legislation and launch the campaign to pass universal, guaranteed health care for every Californian.

When: Tuesday, January 13 at 6 pm PT

Tell your state legislators: Get toxic PFAS chemicals out of our drinking water

Toxic PFAS chemicals are linked to cancer and adverse child brain development. When they get into our drinking water, they threaten our health and limit our access to water.

Your signature means more when you add to the message on the petition page.

In A Fox News Poll of December 2025, Victoria Balara explains that Americans are more concerned about the high cost of health care than in 2023; 86% are now extremely or very concerned about the cost of health care. When asked about their biggest concern regarding health care, 44% said it’s the cost of health insurance. Majorities of Democrats (67%) and independents (57%) are extremely concerned, while 43% of Republicans say the same.

In Matt Stoller’s article, In 2026, Will Americans Finally Turn Against Oligarchs? he explains that Americans are acknowledging corruption in big business as we learn about the devastating effects of monopolies and private equity in areas as divergent as health care and youth sports programs.

Our May 1, 2025 newsletter linked to a video, Inside STAT’s investigations of UnitedHealth Group that documents how executives in this monopoly put their greed above protecting consumers’ health. To understand the disastrous effects of private equity, watch, Why Private Equity Is Buying Hospitals & Shutting Them Down from More Perfect Union. 

In Stoller’s article, he includes a post on X by political consultant Andrew Bates, “When high costs are what voters care about most, they want to see that their leaders have the guts to take on rich special interests.” Will California legislators have the guts to vote for CalCare this year? Let’s hold their feet to the fire.

The graphic and facts are from a Facebook page titled Glorious Canada that has a pro-Canada bias, but the facts come from reputable sources. Canada has a universal, publicly funded health care system that was established through federal legislation passed in 1957 and 1966.

The Commonwealth Fund published its 8th report – Mirror, Mirror 2024 – comparing the performance of health systems in 10 peer countries including Canada and the US. For Overall Health Care System Performance, Canada ranked 7 and the US ranked 10. However the US’s performance is significantly below the 9th ranked country, Germany. 

Like the Canadian health care system, CalCare is free at the point of service and provides comprehensive and universal coverage. 

To understand AI, its history and positive and negative consequences of AI, technology reporter Karen Hao was interviewed by Amy Goodman and Juan González of Democracy Now. Karen Hao explained that AI works best when doctors use it to support patient care and AI should not replace doctors or therapists.

About a hundred million Americans don’t have a primary care doctor and are turning to AI-based options. Read or listen to Can artificial intelligence help with a primary care provider shortage? by Martha Bebinger of National Public Radio’s member station WBUR. Doctors give their opinions about using AI for patient care and what type of patients may be appropriate for AI. 

Emily Olsen of Healthcare Dive reports Americans are turning to ChatGPT to answer questions about medical terms, instructions, treatment options and health insurance. About 1.5 million to 2 million questions are asked about health insurance weekly. This article also explains serious risks with this type of AI and the Trump administration’s deregulatory standpoint toward AI. 

The 2023-2024 CalCare bill, AB 2200 required greater investment in recruitment and retention of health care workers by providers to address the demands of personnel shortages.

The board of HC4US wishes our subscribers, volunteers and partners health and well-being.

This brief article written by Devi Shastri of the Associated Press provides helpful information from credible experts about diet, exercise and skin care emphasizing “keep it simple”. 

In these days of political uncertainty and chaos, we need to find ways to stay positive. Volunteering benefits our health. When we volunteer for a cause we believe in (like CalCare!), we reduce stress and improve our physical and mental health. 

ORGANIZE. AGITATE. EDUCATE. LEGISLATE.

THANK YOU!