On Your November Ballot: Prop 34 Aims to Expand Medi-Cal Prescription Drug Funding — With Restrictions

Edward Henderson | California Black MediaIn less than two months, Californians will vote on Proposition (Prop) 32. This voter guide is one in a series of articles that will help you understand what supporters and opponents of each of California’s 10 ballot initiatives are saying about each one.Prop 34 would permanently allow Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid program, to pay pharmacies directly for prescription drugs.California started doing this in 2019 after Gov. Newsom signed an executive order allowing the payments. This initiative would codify the executive order into state law. The measure would also require healthcare providers to spend almost all the money (98%) they get from a federal prescription drug program directly on patient care — instead of having the leverage to use it on other things.Prop 34 would increase the money that comes to California for Medi-Cal prescription drugs with a matching federal subsidy. However, it will restrict healthcare organizations and non-profits from spending that money on other health care-related social services.Supporters of the proposition argue that, if approved, providers would be held accountable for their spending and provide more affordable care to individuals who need it. California Black Media (CBM) spoke to Elizabeth Helms, President...