The SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union has filed two ballot initiatives that would restrict California hospital prices and CEO compensation.
The union, which represents healthcare workers in California, will include the measures on its general election ballot in November 2014.
The union's Fair Healthcare Pricing Act would forbid hospitals from charging more than 25 percent above the actual cost of patient care. The SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West claims California hospitals, on average, charge 320 percent more than the actual cost of care in their facilities.
The Charitable Hospital Executive Compensation Act would prevent executives of nonprofit hospitals from receiving more than $450,000 in annual compensation. This is the same amount paid to the president of the United States.
The union says the measures would reduce California hospital prices by at least $2.5 billion each year.
More Articles on Hospitals and Unions:
3 Predictions for the Future of Hospital-Union Relationships
Hospitals and Unions: 13 Recent Developments
How Hospitals and Unions Can Bridge Their Gaps