The campaign for Proposition 35, the Protect Our Health Care initiative, is gaining speed as we get closer to Election Day in November. It’s encouraging to see the passionate support it has received from SSVMS members and those throughout the California health care community as we work to earn its passage by voters.
As a reminder, this measure would create a dedicated funding stream for Medi-Cal that would not raise taxes on individuals. It would allow an already existing tax paid by managed care organizations to continue, preserving matching funds provided by the federal government. Proposition 35 is supported by CMA, the California Hospitals Association, health networks, Planned Parenthood, community clinics and many others who want to guarantee greater access to care for Medi-Cal patients.
Running a campaign, even one that has a clear goal of benefitting the public and has widespread support, is expensive, time consuming and will face opposition. We’re proud of how SSVMS members have stepped up to donate time and financial resources to the effort to ensure that funds are there for the nearly 15 million people in California who rely on Medi-Cal. It’s important to note that one key provision of the proposition prevents funds generated through the MCO tax, as the existing tax is on managed care organizations is known, from being used for non-health-care purposes. That’s important, because the Legislature could otherwise redirect the funds to other programs if other revenues fall.
You can donate to the campaign quickly and easily here. There are also opportunities for you to volunteer for the campaign that will ramp up as we get closer to the election and urge voters to support Proposition 35 at the ballot box. To find out how you can volunteer, just click on the link to email Michele Onatanian. She can also set you up with with lab coat cards, window signs and other campaign materials that will help you build support for Proposition 35 among your colleagues and in your neighborhood.
Proposition 35’s importance is underlined by the closure of labor and delivery services at over 40 hospitals in California, the reality that some patients must wait months to see a doctor — potentially exacerbating their health conditions — and the state’s history of redirecting over $30 billion in money earmarked for health care service away from its intended use. The measure requires that 99% of the revenues must go to patient care and caps administrative expenses at 1%. To make sure those mandates are met, Proposition 35 requires ongoing independent financial audits to ensure funds are spent effectively and as intended.
Without Proposition 35, the current levy on managed care organizations will expire in 2026. Federal funds would be lost, rural and community hospitals that are already in tight financial circumstances could be forced to close, and millions of patients could find it harder to get access to the care they need. Instead, passage of Proposition 35 will ensure dedicated funding for primary care physicians, community health centers, speciality care services such as oncology and cardiology, and for OB/GYN family planning services. Money generated by Proposition 35 will also support the hiring of more emergency responders and the training needed to address the critical shortage of health care workers California currently faces.
We’re cautiously optimistic that Proposition 35 will pass, but we all know nothing in an election is for sure, and there is likely to be some high-powered opposition that will make the campaign a battle. We need you to help us fight for your practice and your colleagues through the passage of this initiative, which was the result of an impasse with the governor after we thought there was an agreement to avoid the need for a ballot measure.
Thank you again for rising to the occasion once again as we work together to make the practice of medicine in California more rewarding, secure, and available to all who need it. For more on Proposition 35, please visit the measure’s website at voteyes35.com for an FAQ and more explanation of how it’s the right choice for Californians.
Email Aileen E. Wetzel
