United States of Care Provides Recommendations to Invest in and Expand Oregon Bridge Plan Coverage

In March 2022, the Oregon legislature passed HB 4035, which authorizes the development of a “Bridge Plan” to support continuity of coverage for people most 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 lower-income Oregonians who struggle to access and maintain affordable coverage. The Bridge Plan Task Force (BPTF) is charged with developing the Plan’s framework, identifying a federal funding pathway, and recommending how to mitigate any effects to people already enrolled in Marketplace coverage.

On November 29, United States of Care (USofCare) once again submitted public comments to the Task Force. In response to a November 15 analysis showing that the Bridge Plan’s revenues would likely outweigh its costs, USofCare submitted recommendations to the BPTF on how to prioritize and invest this excess revenue, including on expanded enrollee benefits and outreach and robust data collection. 

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 coverage expansion options to help even more Oregonians afford health care in the future.