ALERT (11/5/2024): Last Monday, AOPA sent out an email to 940 member contacts in California to inform them of a ballot measure, Proposition 35. The message shared is below.
“Recently, the California Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (COPA) has communicated information regarding an upcoming state-wide ballot measure known as Proposition 35. If passed, Proposition 35 would ensure that funds allocated for improvements to the Medi-Cal program may only be used for that purpose, instead of being redistributed for non-healthcare purposes such as addressing overall state budget shortfalls. A “Yes” vote on Proposition 35 may be beneficial for you, your patients, and your business.
Maggie Baumer, JD, Hanger Clinic’s Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy has been supporting COPA to promote awareness of Proposition 35 and AOPA wants to ensure our members and partners in California are aware of this important issue should you want to take action.
What is Proposition 35?
In order to reduce California’s deficit, the Governor has redirected a significant portion of funds—over $30 billion—from healthcare to non-healthcare purposes. These healthcare funds were initially designated for rate increases for Medi-Cal providers. If passed, Proposition 35 will protect the funds intended for healthcare improvements from being used for other purposes without raising taxes.
What is the impact on O&P?
O&P Medi-Cal fee schedules have not been updated for decades and the current fee schedule is well below today’s standards. As a result, many healthcare providers are making the difficult choice to not provide care to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Proposition 35 will protect and expand patient access to care across specialties and providers by protecting the funds dedicated for healthcare provider rate increases.