September 6, 2024
Imperial Valley Press

San Diego health care leaders urge ‘Yes’ vote on Proposition 35

SAN DIEGO – As San Diego faces a deepening health care crisis, local physicians, business leaders, hospitals, community health centers, emergency responders, and hundreds of other organizations are calling on voters to support Proposition 35 on the November ballot.

According to a press release from Yes on Prop 35 Coalition, the initiative will address the San Diego region’s most urgent health care challenges by significantly expanding access to quality care.

“As a psychiatrist, I know firsthand how long patients have to wait to see a specialist,” said Steve Koh, M.D., President of the San Diego County Medical Society. “More than half a million San Diegans are lacking adequate access to health care providers, and for mental health, it’s critically important for patients to have access to the help they need in a timely manner.”

According to the release, Prop 35 secures ongoing revenue by extending an existing levy on health insurance companies set to expire in 2026 – without raising taxes – and dedicates these funds to protect and expand access to care at community health clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and with primary care, family planning, mental health providers, OB/GYNs, and specialty care providers like cancer and cardiology.

“For over 50 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego has been dedicated to serving the San Diego community with the provision of high-quality, affordable care to our community’s most vulnerable,” said Fran Butler-Cohen, CEO, Family Health Centers of San Diego. “With 90 sites across the county serving over 227,000 unique patients each year, Prop 35 is essential for us to continue our mission, expand access, and support the health and well-being of our region. Prop 35 will help us maintain and improve the critical services that so many in our community rely on, from primary and behavioral health care to dental and reproductive health services.”

Per the release, more than 15 million Californians rely on Medi-Cal for health insurance coverage, including more than 50% of all children in the state, as well as low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. But lack of adequate and ongoing funding means Medi-Cal patients must often wait months to see primary care and specialty doctors like cardiologists, pediatric specialists, psychiatrists, or orthopedists.

“Prop 35 is good for California’s health care and for the state’s economy,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The measure will prevent the state from redirecting health care funds for other purposes, ensure 99% of the revenue goes to patient care and will require ongoing independent financial audits to ensure funds are spent effectively and as intended. Greater access to health care brings more stability for patients and providers across California.”

For more information, visit https://voteyes35.com/.