The Protect our Health Care Act, an initiative that will secure funding to protect care for over 15 million Medi-Cal patients in California, has met signature requirements and will appear on the November ballot as Proposition 35.
Health groups worked extensively with the governor to find a legislative solution and avoid having to take it to the ballot, but negotiations failed even thought the bulk of Proposition 35 had already been agreed to by Gov. Newsom. Proposition 35 would extend an existing tax on managed care organizations — without raising taxes on individuals — and provide dedicated funding to protect and expand care to Californians. Unfortunately, the governor preferred that the money, which will also be used to increase access to mental health services and support the Newsom administration’s goal of California manufacturing insulin to lower costs, go into the General Fund instead.
A growing list of health groups that includes CMA, hospitals, specialty groups, clinics and more have formed the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition to support Proposition 35. The existing tax on health care providers is set to expire next year and is the reason why this measure is urgently needed.
SSVMS and CMA will focus heavily over the next few months in educating members and fundraising for what will undoubtedly be an expensive campaign. But its success will reduce wait times in emergency rooms, expand access to preventive health care that can reduce the need for emergency room visits, and support the hiring of more first responders and paramedics.
One important element of Proposition 35 is that it includes strong accountability features to ensure that dollars go to their intended use within out health care system. It will also prevent the state from redirecting funds generated by Proposition 35 to non-health care purposes after its passage.
Proposition 35 includes targeted rate increases for primary care and specialty care to make it easier for patients with Medi-Cal coverage to find a physician. In addition, the measure includes funding for graduate medical education to create more residency slots and new residency programs and loan repayment for those who agree to treat patients with Medi-Cal coverage.
The MCO tax is expected to generate between $6 billion and $9 billion annually through 2026, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Passage of Proposition 35 would make the tax permanent and remove the need for the Legislature to renew it periodically, meaning a secure source of funding during challenging fiscal times, increased reimbursement rates for providers and support for women’s health care.
There are many ways you can help support the campaign. The most important is to donate to the campaign in order to help support the extensive outreach and voter education needed to make Proposition 35 law — you'll hear from us soon on how to do that. We also urge you to share this video and other digital ads for Proposition 35 on your social media channels. CMA will be contacting you to share more opportunities to assist in outreach and education efforts and to keep you informed about the Coalition’s progress.
Proposition 35 is essential to the future of health care in California, and I know that SSVMS members will rise to the occasion by providing the financial and grassroots support needed to help it pass. Over 15 million Californians, including your patients, who rely on Medi-Cal will benefit significantly from the passage of Proposition 35. Your support of this measure is an extension of what you do every day: help your patients have the access to quality care they need.
Please join us in making Proposition 35 the law to secure permanent funding for Medi-Cal services and fairer reimbursements for providers. In the coming weeks, we’ll keep you informed on ways you can be part of this effort that is backed by a broad spectrum of health care providers. On behalf of SSVMS, CMA and your patients, thank you for your support.
Email Aileen E. Wetzel
