Proposition 35 – November 2024

November 5, 2024
Press Release

California Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Proposition 35, Securing Medi-Cal for Nearly 15 Million Residents

Landmark Measure Ensures Dedicated Funding to Protect and Expand Access to Health Care

Sacramento – California voters have resoundingly approved Proposition 35, a transformative initiative that guarantees dedicated, ongoing funding for Medi-Cal. This historic measure secures the future of a program that serves nearly 15 million Californians, including half of the state’s children, seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.

“Prop 35’s passage is a monumental win for patients across California,” said Jodi Hicks, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and Co-Chair of the Proposition 35 campaign. “With nearly 85% of Planned Parenthood patients relying on Medi-Cal for health coverage, this measure secures a stable future for those who need it most. Planned Parenthood is proud to have championed this initiative to build a more equitable health care system that benefits all Californians.”

By extending an existing levy on health insurance companies, Proposition 35 protects and expands access to services without increasing taxes on individuals. The funds will remain exclusively allocated to health care, bolstering access to emergency services, primary and specialty care, family planning, mental health providers, and community clinics.

“For years, California’s health care system has faced significant inequities,” said Francisco Silva, CEO of the California Primary Care Association (CPCA). “With voters’ support of Prop 35, that ends today. This funding ensures that patients across the state have access to the care they need and deserve. On behalf of over 1,300 community clinics, CPCA extends our deepest gratitude to the voters who made this historic change possible.”

“This victory is the result of an extraordinary coalition,” said Dustin Corcoran, CEO of the California Medical Association and Co-Chair of the Proposition 35 campaign. “More than 400 organizations representing health care providers, social justice advocates, businesses, and community leaders came together to secure this generational investment. With Prop 35, providers now have the stability to continue serving their communities, while patients can access the care they’ve been promised.”

Implications for Emergency Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine

Proposition 35 is especially significant for those of us in Emergency Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine. For emergency physicians, this measure provides critical financial stability to Medi-Cal-funded EDs, ensuring continued resources to manage high-acuity cases and reduce the strain caused by overcrowding and uncompensated care. It also supports upstream efforts—expanded access to preventive care and mental health services—that help mitigate avoidable ED visits.

For osteopathic physicians, Prop 35 reinforces the foundation for delivering holistic, patient-centered care. Dedicated funding for primary care and mental health aligns seamlessly with osteopathic principles and ensures that practices in underserved areas remain viable. Additionally, it strengthens support for residency programs and training opportunities, allowing future DOs to continue addressing health care inequities statewide.

Implementation and Next Steps

Implementation of Proposition 35 will begin in the coming months, with a stakeholder engagement process guiding the allocation of funds to ensure they directly benefit patients and providers.