California voters have overwhelmingly passed Proposition 35, marking a transformative investment in Medi-Cal that will benefit 15 million Californians.
“Today, California voters seized a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a health care system that serves everyone,” said Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., president of the California Medical Association (CMA). “For too long, equitable access to care has lagged behind the growing demand and expanding benefits under Medi-Cal.”
With the passage of Proposition 35, Medi-Cal will receive dedicated funding to better serve seniors, children, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. The new resources will allow California to address its healthcare workforce shortage by hiring more physicians, first responders, paramedics, and other essential workers. This critical investment will help reduce emergency room wait times and shorten the months-long delays patients often face when seeking appointments with physicians. Once implemented, the stability provided by this funding will empower doctors, hospitals, clinics, and health centers to better serve their communities.
“LACMA was proud to contribute to the “Yes on 35” campaign and secure matching funds from AstranaHealth and additional funds from White Memorial to ensure Medi-Cal physicians have permanent funding going forward,” said Po-Yin Samuel Huang, MD, LACMA President.
Thanks to the work of CMA, physician members, more than 400 coalition partners, and the voters of California, Prop 35 will improve access to health care for the nearly 15 million Californians, including half of the state’s children, who Medi-Cal covers. Prop 35 also will grow the healthcare workforce in California, which will improve access to care for all Californians.
To learn more about next steps, reimbursement and funding process, and key calendar dates, CMA is hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 21st at noon. Click here to register!
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