2018 VOTER GUIDE: A look at California's Prop 8: Dialysis clinics' revenue limits and required refunds

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Wednesday, November 7, 2018
2018 VOTER GUIDE: A look at California's Proposition 8
In the November election, California voters will decide on 11 propositions. Here's everything you need to know about Prop 8. (Courtesy of CALmatters.org)

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- In the November election, California voters decided on 11 propositions.

RELATED: Prop 8 fails: California voters reject measure to limit dialysis profits

Prop 8 failed, here's everything you need to know about the proposition.

<-- BACK to all propositions

>>> California and Bay Area election results here

>>> National election results here

PROP 8:

Regulates amounts outpatient kidney dialysis clinics charge for dialysis treatment. Initiative statute.

SUMMARY:

A "YES" votes supports requiring kidney dialysis clinics to refund to patients or their insurance providers any revenue above 115% of the cost of direct patient care and healthcare improvements. Backers believe it would incentivize clinics to invest in facility improvements and worker training.

Some analysts see Prop. 8 as the latest fight in the battle for SEIU to unionize workers at California's two, largest dialysis providers, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care.

HOW DID IT GET ON MY BALLOT:

Supporters of Prop. 8 collected enough signatures of registered voters to qualify it as a ballot measure.

MAJOR BACKERS:

California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), California Labor Federation, United Healthcare Workers West (Part of SEIU)

MAJOR OPPONENTS:

California Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, DaVita Dialysis, American Renal Management LLC

IMPACT TO TAXPAYERS:

State and Local Governments could save millions per year in reduced patient care costs. State could face a higher cost of ensuring compliance with the law. This could be offset by higher licensing fees.

*NOTE: All information regarding donations as backers or opponents of a ballot measure reflects financial disclosures made to California's Secretary of State as of September 7, 2018.

LEARN MORE: CALmatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Check out the CALmatters 2018 Election Guide

Take a look at full coverage on the 2018 election here.