Proposition 52
Why is Proposition 52 important to nurse leaders?
Proposition 52 is a common-sense solution designed to permanently extend a significant cost savings
partnership between hospitals and the State of California. This partnership will result in nearly $18 billion in
additional federal money over seven years to help hospitals meet the needs of Medi-Cal patients, at no cost to
taxpayers. In fact, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) estimates Proposition 52 will save the state over $1.5
billion in costs for children’s health coverage by FY 2019–20 and increase support to state and local public
hospitals by nearly $350 million. Without funding that would come from Proposition 52, payments for Medi-Cal
services will likely be reduced during years of budget crises, making doctors more reluctant to participate in the
program.
What can I do to support Proposition 52?
 Indicate your support for Proposition 52 by visiting YES PROP 52 on Facebook and
 Indicate your support for Proposition 52 and
 Use your voice to discuss the benefits of Proposition 52 with your staff members, colleagues, family,
friends and community.
 Vote “yes” for Proposition 52 on the November 2016 California ballot
o A "yes" vote supports requiring voter approval to change the dedicated use of certain fees from
hospitals used to draw matching federal money and fund Medi-Cal services. This initiative is
also designed to require a two-thirds majority vote of the California Legislature to end the
hospital fee program.
Who are the sponsors of Proposition 52?
Proposition 52 is sponsored by a coalition of healthcare providers, labor and business leaders, community
organizations and citizens committed to maximizing the amount of federal funds available to California to
provide healthcare services to children, seniors and working families through Medi-Cal. Proposition 52 is
endorsed by a bipartisan group of California State legislators as well as bipartisan legislators who represent
California in the United States Congress.
The ‘Yes Proposition 52’ campaign is paid for by Californians United for Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability,
which is sponsored by the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. Major funding comes from
the California Health Foundation and Trust along with Dignity Health.
What is the purpose of Proposition 52?
Proposition 52 will extend the partnership that began in 2009, between the State of California and hospitals to
secure billions of dollars per year in federal matching funds for Medi-Cal. This alliance ensures vital access to
healthcare for nearly 7 million California children, providing essential health services such as medical checkups, immunizations, important prescriptions along with dental and vision care.
1
After four consecutive extensions, this law is set to expire in 2018. However, a coalition of hospitals, health
care providers, and business leaders across California have joined together to sponsor and support
Proposition 52 on the November 2016 California ballot.
What is the significance of the problem?
Enrollment in Medi-Cal, the state's healthcare program, has exploded by 50% since the Affordable Care Act
took effect. Although the federal government picks up most of this tab, costs for the State of California have
been growing much faster than expected. If Proposition 52 fails, California will not receive federal money
necessary in meeting the healthcare needs of some of the most vulnerable in the state including children,
seniors and working families. If this scenario comes to fruition the state will be forced to cut health services to
those who need it the most and/or healthcare costs will be passed on to already overburdened taxpayers.
What are the primary objectives of Proposition 52?
 As a result of bipartisan legislation passed in 2009, California receives billions of dollars per year in new
federal funding for healthcare for children, seniors and working families. According to the agreement,
hospitals participate in a program that unlocks approximately $3 billion a year in federal matching
funds, maximizing California’s share.
 Funding guaranteed by this agreement also helps prevent closures or cutbacks in local hospitals and
emergency rooms. Without these resources, the money would have to come by raising premiums for
people with private insurance, which is a totally unnecessary burden especially when federal money is
available to help cover the cost.
 Proposition 52 also prohibits the Legislature from diverting this money for other purposes without voter
approval.
Do you need additional information related to Proposition 52?
www.yesprop52.org is a an excellent resource for Proposition 52
2
Date: October 10, 2016
Title: Proposition 52
3