Families brace for impact of Proposition 35 changes

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around Proposition 35, which has sparked significant concern among families and caregivers reliant on Medi-Cal services. Advocates expressed fears that the initiative could jeopardize essential funding for private duty nursing and eliminate a planned medical increase in 2027, potentially leaving vulnerable children without necessary services.

Analicia, a mother representing affected families, articulated the anxiety surrounding the proposition, emphasizing that after years of waiting for services to become available in 2026, families are now faced with the possibility of losing those services shortly thereafter. This sentiment was echoed by Linda Wei from Western Prop 35, who raised alarms about the long-term implications of ballot box budgeting, suggesting it could lead to cuts in safety net programs during challenging budget years.

Supporters of Proposition 35, including representatives from various health organizations, highlighted its potential to increase funding for healthcare providers. Charlie Donlin from the California Orthopedic Association and Rebecca Alcantar from Ultimate Health Services both voiced their support, emphasizing the need for secure funding to maintain healthcare access for all Californians.

The meeting also featured public comments from various stakeholders, including the Pediatric Day Health Care Coalition, which expressed concerns about the impact of Proposition 35 on severely disabled and medically fragile children. Additionally, representatives from the California Dental Association and the California Academy of Family Physicians underscored the necessity of investing in primary care and dental services to ensure comprehensive healthcare access.

As the hearing concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of the discussions and the diverse perspectives shared, setting the stage for further deliberations on Proposition 35 and its implications for California's healthcare landscape.