The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49646

Mary Ann Holser, MSW, MPA, PhD, Retired Professor Health Policy and Administration, SUNY, Cortland, NY, 2620 Cresta De Ruta, Eugene, OR 97403, 541-343-5132, mahols@efn.org and Marc Shipiro, BS, Health Care For All Oregon, self-employed, 84697 Arlie Lane, Eugene, OR 97405.

The Oregon Comprehensive Health Care Finance Act, proposed for the November 6, 2002 ballot, will offer universality, security, choice, quality and affordability for Oregon residents. Adequate financing will be achieved by combining current local, state and federal expenditures with a progressive tax on employers payroll (in place of employer health insurance costs) and a progressive health tax wit those 150% or below poverty level excluded. This tax takes the place of all insurance payments, co-pays, prescription drugs, glasses, mental health and alternative care and covers all medically necessary services provided by any state licensed, certified or registered provider with emphasis on prevention. No one is excluded for pre-existing services.

Uniquely, governance will be achieved through a publicly accountable non-profit Health Care Finance Corporation with a Board of two members elected from each congressional district and 5 members appointed by the Governor to represent various stakeholder groups, a model similar to that of public utilities. Private health care practitioners and hospitals will remain independent agents, free to negotiate fees and costs with the Board and patients will have choice of providers.

Not a dream, the plans’ financial estimates are documented by Oregon Office of Health Plan Policy and Research, HCFA, the U.S. Census and literature reviews. Revised in September 2001 they show the plan to be fiscally sound and achievable. Increases in costs of services are offset by savings in administration and efficiency over present wasteful multiple payer system.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the learner will be able to

• Examine the successes and failures of the Oregon Health Plan to achieve universal health care for Oregon residents.
• Analyze the ability of a single payer health plan to provide universal health care within a state.
• Develop health care Legislation with grass roots involvement of the public that would be affected by the legislation.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Universal Health Care

Related Web page: www.healthcareforalloregon.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Care For All - Oregon
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.