California’s Proposition 35: Securing Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Healthcare Services

California voters are set to decide on Proposition 35, a ballot measure aimed at providing permanent funding for Medi-Cal healthcare services. This proposition is crucial given the current state of California’s healthcare system, which is facing significant challenges including overcrowded emergency rooms, long wait times for appointments, and a shortage of healthcare providers.

Proposition 35 addresses these issues by ensuring that tax dollars collected from Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are used exclusively for healthcare purposes. Over the past 15 years, the state has redirected more than $30 billion in MCO tax revenue for non-healthcare uses, exacerbating the chronic underfunding of the Medi-Cal system. Prop 35 would prevent such diversions, guaranteeing that these funds are invested in expanding access to healthcare.

The proposition promises dedicated resources for various healthcare services, including community health centers, hospitals, emergency rooms, primary care, family planning, mental health providers, and specialty care. It also allocates funds for dental care, community health workers, and healthcare workforce development, which are essential for building a stronger healthcare workforce.

A key aspect of Prop 35 is the creation of a stakeholder advisory committee composed of healthcare representatives to advise on how the MCO funding is invested each year. This oversight is intended to ensure that the funds are used effectively to improve healthcare access and quality.

Supporters of Prop 35 argue that it will not only improve healthcare access for millions of Californians but also reduce the economic burden on families and promote overall public health. The measure is particularly important for regions like the Central Valley, which are described as “healthcare deserts” due to severely disproportionate provider-to-patient ratios.