Editorial: Study of health care costs a good idea

March 21, 2013

March 19, 2013 9:15 am • Corvallis Gazette-Times

It’s hard to foot the bill for revolution if you don’t know what it will cost.

For years now, advocates of a single-payer health care system have been pushing for a revolution in health care. Among their claims: A single-payer system, in which the government pays for all health care costs rather than private insurers, is the cheapest way to provide quality care for all.

A new bill in the Oregon Legislature could help to test that notion: House Bill 3260 would direct the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a feasibility study on at least four options for financing health care delivery in the state, including a publicly financed single-payer system.

Other options that would be studied under the bill include:

-- One that allows a consumer to choose between a publicly funded plan and private insurance coverage and allows “fair and robust” competition between public plans and private insurance.

-- The current health care financing system in Oregon.

-- Any other options deemed worthy of consideration by the researchers doing the study.

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March 1, 2013

Single Payer tomorrow!

February 25, 2013

by Samuel Metz, MD

Maybe Oregon should delay single payer health care for another decade. Let’s listen to what people are saying:

“Single payer is not feasible.”

“ObamaCare and the CCOs need decades to show what they can do.”

“These health care changes are not achievable in our current political climate.”

And these aren’t opponents speaking; these are purported single payer supporters.

The need for a single payer solution to our health crisis grows daily. Every day, another Oregonian dies of a treatable disease because they lacked money for treatment. Every day, 30 Oregon families go bankrupt from medical costs. Every day, Oregon’s health care costs go up another $6 million.

Our worst enemies are not single payer opponents. Our worst enemies are ourselves.

Super turnout for Salem Health Care Rally!

February 6, 2013

by Ruth Duemler and Lou Sinniger

Will every Oregonian have affordable health care? Great turnout from Eugene and all around the state to rally for Health Care for All! Three buses plus some car pooling from Eugene joined dozens from as far as way as Coos Bay, Prineville and Ashland, and even LaGrande brought 22 health care advocates.

Changes are underway for state and federal health care, but hundreds of Oregonians gathered at a rally Monday said they want lawmakers to move further toward establishing a universal single-payer system. Representative Mike Dembrow greeted the crowd and assured them that he was busy enlisting co-sponsors for his Affordable health Care for All Oregon Act that will be introduced this session. Good news! An estimated 1,000 people held up Health Care for All signs, chanted and even sang at the Capitol’s steps to show their support for such legislation.

Alliance of Communities of Color Announce Health Equity 2013 Agenda

November 13, 2012

Communities of Color and new Immigrant and Refugee Voter Turnout Raises Bar for Racial Equity

Salem, Ore. -- In Oregon, a new alliance of communities of color, immigrants and refugees unifying organizations and advocates across the state announce their Health Equity Agenda for 2013 and Kickoff Event 6:00 PM Thursday November 29th, 2012 at the Irvington Covenant Church in NE Portland.

The Oregon Health Equity Alliance (OHEA) works to improve the well-being and prosperity for all Oregonians through policy advocacy that addresses the root causes of health disparities, improving care and lowering costs. Member organizations helped register over 8,500 new voters, educate voters on key issues and increase turnout. “The demographics of Oregon have changed and our communities can no longer be ignored” says Kayse Jama of the Center for Intercultural Organizing, adding, “we expect our elected officials to address the needs of all Oregonians”.