California November 2018 Ballot - Proposition 8

This is the ballot summary for this proposition which is all about the operation of dialysis clinics:

• Limits the charges to 115 percent of the costs for direct patient care and quality improvement costs, including training, patient education, and technology support.
• Requires rebates and penalties if charges exceed the limit.
• Requires annual reporting to the state regarding clinic costs, patient charges, and revenue.
• Prohibits clinics from refusing to treat patients based on the source of payment for care

So who is behind this proposition and who is against it?  The people who put it on the ballot are part of the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, affiliated with the Service Employees International Union.

The opposition campaign is getting its funding from two very large companies who are big players in the business of operating dialysis clinics, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care North America.  DaVita operates more than 2,500 clinics in the U.S.  Fresenius operates more than 2,200 clinics in the U.S.

When big business is behind the campaign opposing a ballot proposition, I'm immediately suspect their motives.  This ballot measure claims to be interested in patients but the actual agenda of SEIU-United Healthcare West is to give them leverage in their efforts to force DaVita and Fresenius to unionize.

Every major newspaper in California that had taken a position on Proposition 8 has said "No".

I will vote No on Prop 8.