Oregon Ballot Measure 23 (2002)

From Ballotpedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

Oregon Ballot Measure 23 (2002) is an initiated state statute that measure finances a state health care program that would be administered by a new public non-profit corporation called the Oregon Health Care Finance Board. All Oregonians who choose to participate in the

state health care plan could receive health care coverage. This new health care plan would be financed by a personal income and a new payroll tax.[1]

Official Ballot Title

Creates Health Care Finance Plan For Medically Necessary Services; Creates Additional Income, Payroll Taxes[2]

Proponents

Ruth C Duemler, John W Partridge, and Phil Dreyer

Results

This measure failed at the November 2002 General Election.

Support

[3] Even supporters of the measure acknowledge that the measure will cost more than the $10 billion to provide comprehensive health care to everyone in the state, but they believe the savings on health care will overshadow the increases on taxes.

One study, conducted by Deborah Socolar and the Boston University's School of Public Health, showed that universal health care would lower the cost of health care in Massachusetts by savings in administrative costs and more appropriate use of hospital care. Socolar points out that the same could be feasible in Oregon, where the uninsured are a greater share of the population and the state is among the 10 lowest in the nation for health spending per person. A feasibility study also showed universal health care coverage would save money in California, which has a higher number of uninsured residents and also has a lower spending per person.

[4]Some of the others in favor of the measure are:

  • Pacific Green Party of Oregon
  • Elders in Action
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
  • Eastside Democratic Club of Portland


Opposition

Some of those opposed to the measure believe that having people pay on their own for the health care they can afford will keep prices competitive. Some call the measure "Canadian style health care"; putting the control of health care in the bureaucrat's hands and providing no cost controls.[5]


Many also argue that there is reason to believe Measure 23 could cause a financial hardship for the state. A study conducted by the economics consulting firm LECG concluded that Measure 23 could increase health care expenditures in the state by as much as 30 percent. The study was commissioned by The American Association of Health Plans, an opponent of the plan who represents managed care companies across the nation. According to the study, Oregon's health care costs would rise by $2.2 billion to $6.5 billion once the plan is implemented.[6]

Some of the others opposed to the measure are:

  • Dr. Fred Girod
  • American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
  • Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
  • Oregon Food Processors FOODPAC
  • Oregon Citizens for a Sound Economy

References

  1. ↑ Ballot Measure 23: Health Care Finance Plan from the Oregon Legislative Revenue Office
  2. ↑ Detailed information about this initiative from the Secretary of State
  3. ↑ Economics at heart of Measure 23 debate by Rebecca Merritt of Physicians for a National Health Program
  4. ↑ Arguments in Favor from the State Voting Guide
  5. ↑ Arguments in Opposition from the State Voting Guide
  6. ↑ Economics at heart of Measure 23 debate by Rebecca Merritt of Physicians for a National Health Program

See also

Retrieved from "http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Oregon_Ballot_Measure_23_(2002)"
Personal tools