​In this brief interview, Center Director Gerald Kominski discusses what to expect if the House and Senate agree upon a tax plan that axes the individual mandate, how California can protect its achievements, and whether 2018 will bring any relief.

Q: Given the likelihood that the individual mandate might be repealed as part of the GOP tax bill, what will the Center focus on in the coming year?

​We are currently in discussion with several groups in California to model the effects of the mandate repeal, as well as other policy options that California might explore to minimize the damage being done by the President and Republicans in Congress to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Q: What can California do to protect itself from what's happening in Washington, D.C.?

​Unfortunately, until there is a change in one or both houses of Congress, it appears Republicans will continue to pursue their "death by a thousand cuts" approach to destabilizing the ACA. Nevertheless, California can explore options to stabilize the individual market, both within and outside Covered California, to keep health insurance affordable to Californians who don't have employment-based coverage. Some of those options would require increased state funding, so the cost of maintaining affordable access without additional federal support will be a challenge.

Q: What is possible in terms of positive health policy developments in 2018?

​Whatever happens, the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research will be there to measure, report and keep policymakers accountable for their decisions and to ensure that all voices are heard on health. We will continue to be champions of health equity. We will also provide the data and policy analysis to document the serious consequences of reversing the substantial progress we've made in recent years to make health care more accessible to all Californians.