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Proposition 8: Fight Between Unions, Dialysis Clinics Turns Expensive

A ballot measure restricting profits at dialysis clinics has overtaken initiatives on the gas tax and rent control to become the most expensive California proposition this cycle.

The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West has poured roughly $20 million into Proposition 8 on the November ballot. The measure would cap profits for dialysis clinics, which provide vital treatment for people without functioning kidneys.

The largest for-profit dialysis providers — DaVita, Fresenius, and U.S. Renal Care — have contributed more than $70 million to defeat the measure.

PROPOSITION 8 FAST FACTS

WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS

  • A YES vote on this measure means: Kidney dialysis clinics would have their revenues limited by a formula and could be required to pay rebates to certain parties (primarily health insurance companies) that pay for dialysis treatment.
  • A NO vote on this measure means: Kidney dialysis clinics would not have their revenues limited by a formula and would not be required to pay rebates.

FISCAL IMPACT

  • Overall annual effect on state and local governments ranging from net positive impact in the low tens of millions of dollars to net negative impact in the tens of millions of dollars.
  • Ballot impact data and vote text from the California Legislative Analyst's Office

READ THE PROPOSED LAW

The union argues Proposition 8 will stop the dialysis companies from cutting corners and force them to invest more of their profits into patient care. Dialysis providers say the measure is actually a tactic to pressure the dialysis companies to let workers unionize and would force clinics to close.

Proposition 8 isn't the only ballot measure aimed at a specific segment of the health care industry. Voters will also have to weigh in on Proposition 11, which will let private ambulance companies require workers to stay on-call during paid breaks.

2018 CALIFORNIA BALLOT PROPOSITIONS

  • PROPOSITION 1
    Authorizes Bonds to Fund Specified Housing Assistance Programs. Legislative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 2
    Authorizes Bonds to Fund Existing Housing Program for Individuals With Mental Illness. Legislative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 3
    Authorizes Bonds to Fund Projects for Water Supply and Quality, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Water Conveyance, and Groundwater Sustainability and Storage. Initiative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 4
    Authorizes Bonds Funding Construction at Hospitals Providing Children's Health Care. Initiative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 5
    Changes Requirements for Certain Property Owners to Transfer Their Property Tax Base to Replacement Property. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 6
    Eliminates Certain Road Repair and Transportation Funding. Requires Certain Fuel Taxes and Vehicle Fees Be Approved by the Electorate. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
  • PROPOSITION 7
    Conforms California Daylight Saving Time to Federal Law. Allows Legislature to Change Daylight Saving Time Period. Legislative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 8
    Regulates Amounts Outpatient Kidney Dialysis Clinics Charge for Dialysis Treatment. Initiative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 9
    Removed from the ballot
  • PROPOSITION 10
    Expands Local Governments' Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property. Initiative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 11
    Requires Private-sector Emergency Ambulance Employees to Remain on-call During Work Breaks. Eliminates Certain Employer Liability. Initiative Statute.
  • PROPOSITION 12
    Establishes New Standards for Confinement of Specified Farm Animals; Bans Sale of Noncomplying Products. Initiative Statute.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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