The Rev Dr. Rick SchlosserIMPACT’s Recommendation: Support
PROVIDES PERMANENT FUNDING FOR MEDI-CAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. INITIATIVE STATUTE.
This proposition proposes a permanent fee on all Managed Care Organizations such as Kaiser, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, etc. that already have a levy per patient fee due to expire in 2026. These funds go to specific health care coverage for those on Medi-Cal, the California version of Medicaid, that enrolls those earning 138% or less of the Federal Poverty Level annually. In California, thanks to expansion by the 2010 Affordable Care Act, it now includes all who are homeless with or without children as well as those with disabilities, elders, etc. Fees for administration are capped and audits will assure that the funds are spent on targeted care such as primary and specialty care, emergency care, family planning, mental health, and prescription drugs. It will comprise the largest health care coverage expansion in the state’s history. It will expand staffing and thus reduce wait times, lower overall costs to the program including pharmaceuticals. There will be no tax on the general public.
Please note that our partners at the League of Women Voters of California and the Friends Committee on Legislation on California oppose Prop 35. We invite you to read their recommendations and decide for yourself.
CA Secretary of State site: Arguments for and against Prop 35: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/35/index.htm