Affordability, News & Updates, Oregon, Public Option, State Efforts
United States of Care Provides Comment to Oregon Policymakers on Enhancing Access to Affordable Coverage to More Oregonians
In March 2022, the Oregon legislature passed HB 4035, which authorizes the development of a “Bridge Plan” to support continuity of coverage for people at risk of losing coverage at the end of the COVID Public Health Emergency. This Bridge Plan lays an important foundation for policies that would serve many people struggling to access affordable coverage in Oregon.
On May 13, United States of Care provided public comment during a meeting of the Bridge Plan Task Force created under HB 4035 that is tasked with developing the framework and identifying the federal funding pathway for the Bridge Plan. USofCare recommended that the Task Force prioritize leveraging a federal funding pathway that allows flexibility for individuals eligible for the Bridge Plan to choose the coverage option that meets their needs. USofCare also submitted written comments for the record, below.
We continue to work with partners on the ground in Oregon to support a successful Bridge Plan that is designed with flexibility to allow for future development of a public health insurance option to help even more Oregonians afford health care in the future.