Measure aims to enhance health care funding and improve dental provider rates for the long term.
QUICK SUMMARY: Proposition 35, which was approved by California voters during the election on November 5th, is a significant measure co-sponsored by the California Dental Association (CDA). This initiative is designed to increase health care funding and ensures that the state cannot divert these essential funds for unrelated purposes. Specifically, the designated funding for Medi-Cal dental services is set to see a minimum 10% boost in its annual budget beginning in 2027, which translates to approximately $300 million when accounting for federal matching funds. Additionally, Proposition 35 will guarantee up to $10 million every year dedicated to dental student loan repayments.
In a groundbreaking triumph for California’s health care infrastructure, voters enthusiastically approved Proposition 35 with an impressive 66% in favor as of 8:00 AM on November 6. This transformative measure, co-sponsored by the CDA, stands out as a landmark initiative that will crucially protect and expand health care access for 15 million residents across the state.
“The passage of Prop. 35 is a critical win for health care, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to California voters for their overwhelming support,” stated CDA President Carliza Marcos, DDS. “I also want to extend a special thanks to CDA members for their invaluable assistance and diverse contributions to this very important cause. Proposition 35 is imperative for offering improved access for patients while also providing more assurance for dentists and health care providers. CDA is exceedingly proud of the efforts put into the Prop. 35 campaign and the remarkable coalition that made this victory possible.”
A formidable coalition comprising over 400 organizations united in favor of Proposition 35. This expansive coalition filed the statewide ballot measure in September 2023 to safeguard and broaden access to a wide array of health care services in California, successfully gathering more than 800,000 signatures from voters to qualify the measure for the November ballot.
Over the past few months, the CDA played a pivotal role in promoting Prop. 35 by distributing more than 25,000 promotional materials to members, students, and dental societies. Members actively engaged in the campaign by sharing campaign materials, conversing with peers about the measure, reaching out to voters, and advocating for Prop. 35 through various social media platforms.
Funding to boost Medi-Cal dental reimbursements and support student loan repayments
Proposition 35 is primarily based on a pre-existing “managed care organization” tax levied on health insurance companies, which has been a consistent revenue source that California has utilized for years to maximize federal funding supporting state programs like Medi-Cal, all without imposing new taxes on residents.
The allocated funds for Medi-Cal Dental services will create at least a 10% increase in its overall annual budget, amounting to approximately $300 million including federal matching funds. This funding structure mirrors the financial allocations that were initially set up through the Proposition 56 (2016) tobacco tax, and importantly, it offers a more stable revenue source that won’t decline over time. The focus will be on increasing reimbursement rates for restorative and specialty services for adults, thereby complementing previous increases achieved through Proposition 56 as well as the Dental Transformation Initiative, which primarily prioritized preventive care and services aimed at children.
“Medi-Cal currently provides both medical and dental coverage to 15 million low-income Californians, making it the largest provider of medical and dental insurance in the state,” Dr. Marcos emphasized in a coalition news release following the measure’s qualification. “After decades of being underfunded, Prop. 35 will finally present the long-term, sustainable funding solutions necessary to enhance access for millions of Californians.”
Furthermore, Proposition 35 will introduce new, recurring funding for CalHealthCares, the state’s student loan repayment initiative specifically aimed at dentists and physicians, ensuring an annual allocation of up to $10 million for dental student loan repayments. This program, initially supported through Proposition 56 funding, has dispensed around $50 million in grants for dental student loan repayment since its inception in 2018. Additional relevant provisions of Prop. 35 include funding aimed at expanding education and training opportunities to increase the number of health care workers in the state.
The CDA will keep its members abreast of the developments regarding the implementation of Proposition 35 through various channels, including the CDA newsroom, weekly newsletters, and dynamic social media platforms.
**Interview with Dr. Carliza Marcos, President of the California Dental Association (CDA)**
**Interviewer**: Good morning, Dr. Marcos, and thank you for joining us today. Proposition 35 was recently approved by California voters with an overwhelming 66% in favor. How significant is this victory for dental care in California?
**Dr. Marcos**: Good morning! Thank you for having me. This victory is monumental for dental care in California. It not only secures essential funding for Medi-Cal dental services but also ensures that these funds cannot be diverted for unrelated purposes. The measure will enhance access to dental care for about 15 million residents, which is a huge step forward for public health.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that starting in 2027, the allocation for Medi-Cal dental services will see a minimum 10% increase in its budget, amounting to approximately $300 million. Can you elaborate on how this funding will impact dental providers and patients?
**Dr. Marcos**: Absolutely. The increased funding means that Medi-Cal dental providers will receive higher reimbursement rates, making it more feasible for them to accept Medi-Cal patients. This is crucial as many dentists have been reluctant to accept Medi-Cal due to low reimbursement rates. Ultimately, this will lead to improved access to dental care for patients, which we know is linked to better overall health outcomes.
**Interviewer**: Proposition 35 also includes a guarantee of up to $10 million annually for dental student loan repayments. Why is this aspect of the measure important?
**Dr. Marcos**: Student loan debt is a significant burden for many new dentists, and this loan repayment program will encourage more graduates to serve in underserved areas where dental services are often lacking. By easing the financial strain on new graduates, we can inspire them to enter public health and community-based practice, enhancing access where it’s needed most.
**Interviewer**: The passage of Proposition 35 seems to be the result of a strong coalition of support. Can you shed some light on how the CDA mobilized this effort?
**Dr. Marcos**: Yes, indeed. The CDA, along with over 400 organizations, worked tirelessly to gather more than 800,000 signatures to qualify Proposition 35 for the ballot. We distributed over 25,000 promotional materials and engaged our members in conversations to advocate for the measure. The coalition’s strength came from a shared commitment to improving health care access, and it’s heartening to see that passion translate into voter support.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, what are the next steps for the CDA and stakeholders involved in this success?
**Dr. Marcos**: Our immediate focus will be on the implementation of Proposition 35 to ensure that the funds are allocated as intended and that they genuinely enhance dental care access across the state. We’ll also continue to advocate for policies that support dental providers and ensure that our communities are receiving the care they need. This is just the beginning of a larger effort to strengthen California’s health care system.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Marcos, for sharing your insights on Proposition 35. It’s clear that this measure is set to have a lasting impact on dental care in California.
**Dr. Marcos**: Thank you for having me. Together, we can create a healthier future for all Californians.
