The push for Proposition (Prop) 35 is in the home stretch. Election Day is a little over a month away, and ballots will drop in just a couple of weeks. Voters are now paying attention.
This is the time when hospitals must do their part to reinforce the need for passage of Prop 35, which would create a dedicated, reliable funding stream for the 15 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal.
CHA is a leader and funder of this coalition effort, but we all need to work together to get Prop 35 over the finish line. There is a lot at stake — if successful, Prop 35 is expected to generate between $5 billion and $11 billion annually for hospitals, doctors, federally qualified health centers, and others who care for Medi-Cal patients.
This week, the Yes on Prop 35 coalition launched an advertising campaign with ads — “Protect Access to Care” and “Planned Parenthood Urges Yes on 35” — set to run in media markets across the state. The campaign will provide an important boost to present the issue to voters. But more can be done. While Prop 35 has broad support, opponents have cropped up in recent weeks and passage cannot be taken for granted.
If your hospital is not a member of the coalition supporting the initiative, please join here. You will be joining fellow hospitals, Planned Parenthood of California, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the California Medical Association, the California Democratic Party, the California Republican Party, and others who understand that their voices need to be heard in support of Prop 35. There are also campaign materials available to promote the ballot measure to hospital leadership, board members, physicians, and community leaders.
Over the next few weeks, hospitals can play a key role in helping voters understand how this measure will ensure millions of Californians have access to the care they need. Every hospital has a voice, every vote counts, and Prop 35 is critical to the long-term health care of all Californians.
