SB 329: Healthy Oregon Act

The Healthy Oregon Act creates a public board of seven citizens to gather public input on key reform concepts, finalize the comprehensive plan and present it as legislation for consideration by the 2009 Legislature.

SB 329 (Final Version)
Explanation
June 11 Presentation (PowerPoint, 1.7 M) | PDF (750 k)
Fiscal Report

OHPR Analysis Comparing SB 329 and SB 27

Key Components of Reform

Sharing Responsibility, Sharing Risk

The Healthy Oregon Act sets up the Oregon Health Fund which, in the future, will allow employers and individuals to join and “pool” their health care dollars to increase their buying power and share the risks across a larger spectrum.  Everyone who joins the pool gets an Oregon Health Card with an affordable benefits package and employers can purchase additional benefits if they choose. 

The Healthy Oregon Act will propose ways to place a renewed focus on preventative and primary care by setting criteria for insurers to become Accountable Health Plans.  It can also encourage wellness with incentives that encourage healthy behaviors. 

Changing Incentives, Setting Priorities

Our current system doesn't spend enough money to keep us well.  The Healthy Oregon Act focuses on primary and preventative care and getting everyone in "the pool", so we can save money.  We can also encourage wellness with incentives that encourage healthy behaviors.  We know health care dollars aren't unlimited, so before we fund expensive expansions, decisions should be based on community need.

Health care dollars aren't unlimited, so by requiring transparency of costs and quality Oregonians can make more informed decisions about their personal health.  And, on a larger scale, before expensive medical expansions and equipment are funded, decisions should be based on community needs and should involve the community in planning.

Sustainability

Any health reform concepts must be sustainable into the future and the Healthy Oregon Act provides a practical path to success without over-reaching.  The key to sustainability is to lower costs and to improve quality so everyone can afford essential coverage.

As a state there is much we can do locally, but for long-term change, reform must happen in Washington DC too.  The Healthy Oregon Act examines how federal policies are preventing us from improving health care and asks our Congressional delegation to participate in public hearings and introduce legislation.

Benefits of Fixing Health Care

• Available to every Oregonian
• Stops cost-shifting from uninsured to insured
• Lower costs and affordable coverage based on ability to pay
• Economically sustainable with expansion based on need
• Healthier workforce, less absenteeism, families covered
• Improved quality, increased transparency and easier cost comparison
• Allows people to choose their own insurer and health care providers
• No one denied due to pre-existing condition 
• Fair and fast reimbursements and increase for primary and preventative care
• Portable coverage if you lose or change jobs
• Renewed focus on primary and preventative care

Definitions

Accountable Health Plan – an organization that contracts with the Oregon Health Trust Board to provide a health benefit plan to participants of the Oregon Health Fund program

Oregon Health Card – the card issued by the Oregon Health Trust Board to those who participate in the Oregon Health Fund program

Oregon Health Fund – the fund established by the Healthy Oregon Act to pay Accountable Health Plans for coverage of participants in the program

Oregon Health Trust Board – the seven-member citizen board appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate that will be responsible for making decisions about financing, eligibility, benefits, delivery, and overall administration of the Oregon Health Fund program.