Robert Macias marks his ballot for the California primary at the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters office in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Prop 35 is one of 10 statewide propositions before voters on the 2024 November election ballot in California.
The complicated health policy and funding bill asks voters to make permanent an existing tax on managed health care insurance plans.
It has support from health and medical groups, and both Democrats and Republicans, but opponents say the plan could backfire. The debate over Prop 35 has made for some unusual coalitions of support and opposition.
Here's what to know about Prop 35.
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What Prop 35 would do
The ballot prop would make permanent an existing tax on managed health care insurance plans. If the plan is approved by the federal government, the money would provide revenue for Medi-Cal health services, California's public insurance program for low-income residents and people with disabilities. The money would fund programs for speciality care, emergency medical services, family planning, mental health, prescription drugs and more. Lawmakers would not be allowed to use the tax revenue to replace existing Medi-Cal spending.
Supporters say Prop 35 is necessary to secure needed funding without a new tax hike for health services. As Medi-Cal has grown, the state needs a reliable funding source to protect and and expand access to care under the program used by 15 million Californians, supporters say.
Opponents say restrictions on how the money is spent would limit future lawmakers' ability to balance the state budget. The California Pan-Ethnic Health Network statement in opposition to the prop said its revenue structure likely would not receive required approval from the federal government, which would leave a funding gap and few options for lawmakers down the road.
From the ballot
Below is the language included on the election ballot for Prop 35.
A YES vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans that provides funding for certain health programs would become permanent. New rules would direct how the state must use the revenue.
A NO vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans would end in 2027, unless the Legislature continues it. The new rules would not become law.
Supporters of Prop 35
California Medical Association
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
California Hospital Association
California Dental Association
California Primary Care Association
California Democratic Party
California Republican Party
Opponents of Prop 35
League of Women Voters of California
California Pan-Ethnic Health Network
The Children’s Partnership
California Alliance for Retired Americans
Courage California
