States Offer a Variety of Health Initiatives for Consideration

By Jonathan Springston, Assistant Editor, AHC Media

Lost in the wake of Tuesday’s historic election were the various statewide referenda on tickets across the country. In addition to the four local soda tax hikes, 11 states asked voters to consider a variety of medical-related amendments, questions, propositions, and initiatives. Below is a quick roundup of those results, grouped by topic.

Healthcare/Insurance

California said “Yes” on Proposition 52, which extends a fee on hospitals to fund coverage for Medi-Cal, uninsured patients, and children’s health, and “Yes” on Proposition 55, which extends an income tax on earnings over $250,000 to fund schools and healthcare. California voters also said “Yes” to higher taxes and e-cigarettes to increase funding for healthcare for low-income residents. Colorado voted “No” on Amendment 69, which would have created a statewide universal healthcare program funded through higher taxes. Additionally, Oregon residents said “No” to a corporate minimum tax when sales exceeded $25 million; those funds would have gone to healthcare and other services.

Medical Equipment

Nevada voters said “Yes” to exempting some medical equipment from sales taxes.

Medical Marijuana

Arkansas (Issue 6), Florida (Amendment 2), Montana (Initiative 182), North Dakota (Measure 5) all approved the use of medical marijuana in some form, whether for those who suffer from chronic pain, PTSD, or some other specifically defined medical condition.

Paid Sick Leave

Washington voters backed Measure 1433, forcing employers to offer paid sick leave.

Prescription Drugs

California residents rejected Proposition 61, which would have prohibited the state from buying prescription drugs at higher prices than those paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Research

Montana rejected Initiative 181, which would have established the Montana Biomedical Research Authority to oversee therapies and cures for brain diseases and injuries.

Terminal Illness

Colorado resident backed Proposition 106, which allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with the help of a doctor.

Tobacco

Colorado (Amendment 72), Missouri (Proposition A, Amendment 3), North Dakota (Measure 4) all rejected hikes in taxes on cigarettes that would have funded a variety of initiatives, including a veteran’s tobacco trust fund, early childhood healthcare, and several other services.

Trauma Care Funding

Georgia voters backed Amendment 4, which calls for dedicated taxes from the sale of fireworks to be used to fund trauma care, fire services, and public safety.

Of course, with the rise of President-elect Donald Trump and a resurgent Republican Congress, the fate of the Affordable Care Act, as ever, remains the elephant in the room.