Voters approve Prop 35 in resounding vote, expanding health care access for 15 million Californians

California voters have overwhelmingly approved Proposition 35, a historic investment in Medi-Cal, which serves 15 million Californians!

“California voters have realized a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a health care system that works for all Californians," said Shannon Udovic-Constant, M.D., president of the California Medical Association (CMA). "For too long, equitable access to health care has trailed behind growing eligibility and benefits provided by Medi-Cal.

"With the passage of Proposition 35, we are ensuring Medi-Cal receives the dedicated funding it needs to serve the millions of seniors, children, low-income families and people with disabilities in our state. Going forward we will be able to hire more physicians, first responders, paramedics and other health care workers to address the worker shortage and ensure Californians aren’t having to wait hours in the emergency room or months to get an appointment with a physician. And once the new law is implemented, doctors, hospitals, clinics and health centers will have much needed stability to serve the patients in their communities.

"This would not have been possible without the advocacy of our physician members and our more than 400 coalition partners. Our victory tonight is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together to work for the thing that matters most: our patients. While there is much to celebrate, we realize this is just the beginning. CMA will continue to work with stakeholders and the state to realize the vision of Prop 35, and I am excited to move forward together.”

CMA co-chaired the coalition that put Proposition 35 before the voters in order to provide a dedicated, ongoing source of funding to increase access to health care. The passage of Prop 35 is particularly important to improve access to health care for the nearly 15 million Californians, including half of the state’s children, who are covered by Medi-Cal. Prop 35 also will grow the health care workforce in California, which will improve access to care for all Californians.