Too many Oregonians don’t have access to quality, affordable health care.
We must create healthy communities by covering all people living in Oregon starting with expanding access to cover all children and more low income adults.
At the same time we need to acknowledge and address health disparities faced by many including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, geography and primary language.
One out of every six Oregonians is currently uninsured and that number is rising. The cost of uncompensated care to the uninsured increases the cost of health care and insurance premiums for all Oregonians. It would be more cost effective if everyone had affordable coverage and preventive care. The current path is not sustainable and we’re all paying the price.
Especially now, when many Oregonians have lost their jobs, being able to ensure that every Oregon child has access to health care, is a glimmer of hope in these uncertain economic times.
In December 2008, 11.1 million Americans were unemployed and actively seeking work. For the families of those who become unemployed, the loss of income is often compounded by the loss of health insurance. In Oregon, 56% of unemployed workers with incomes below 200% of Poverty are also uninsured. (Families USA, Unemployed and Uninsured in America, Special Report, February 2009.)
Leveraging $1 billion federal dollars will help Oregon’s economy and allow 200,000 more Oregonians to have health insurance. That will mean more jobs for Oregonians, and more cost effective health care for all of us.
