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Health Care Costs, News & Updates, Oregon, Public Option, State Efforts

United States of Care Provides Comment to Oregon Policymakers on the Reimbursement Rates and Provider and Plan Participation in the Bridge Plan

Published On June 22, 2022

In March 2022, the Oregon legislature passed HB 4035, which authorizes the development of a “Bridge Plan.” This bill helps support continuity for people at risk of losing coverage upon the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This plan lays an important foundation for policies that would serve many people struggling to access affordable coverage in Oregon. 

On June 14th, United States of Care provided written public comment for a meeting of the Bridge Plan Task Force created under HB 4035, which is tasked with designing the plan — including establishing reimbursement rates and provider and plan participation. USofCare recommended that the Task Force prioritize access to a robust network of providers through innovative reimbursement strategies and to incentivize provider and plan participation to support access to care. The USofCare comments also asked the Task Force to carefully consider the impacts of the Bridge Plan on the marketplace and focus on limiting or eliminating enrollee costs while prioritizing a robust benefits package that includes dental benefits. 

We continue to work with partners on the ground in Oregon to support a successful Bridge Plan that is designed with the flexibility to allow for the future development of a public health insurance option to help even more Oregonians afford health care in the future.