Oregon Advances Toward Worldwide Healthcare with Landmark Ballot Measure
Portland, OR – Oregon is poised to become the first state in the nation to establish universal healthcare, as Measure 111, the “Cover All Oregon” initiative, passed with 58% of the vote on November 8, 2022. The ballot measure establishes a publicly funded healthcare system, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage to all Oregonians, irrespective of income, employment status, or immigration status.
The move comes after decades of debate over healthcare access in the United States, where millions remain uninsured or underinsured. Measure 111 seeks to address thes systemic issues by creating a single-payer system financed through a payroll tax on employers and individuals, alongside federal funds and potential cost savings from negotiating lower drug prices and administrative efficiencies. The initiative’s passage marks a meaningful victory for advocates who believe healthcare is a human right and a potential model for national reform.
The new system, officially named Oregon health Plan 2.0, will be phased in over several years, beginning with a planning and implementation phase overseen by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. The board will be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for transitioning to the new system, including determining benefit packages, provider reimbursement rates, and strategies for controlling costs. Full implementation is anticipated by January 1, 2026.
“This is a historic moment for Oregon and for the country,” said Andrea Bell, director of the oregon Health Care Association, a leading proponent of the measure. “For too long, healthcare has been a privilege, not a right. Measure 111 will ensure that every Oregonian has access to the care they need, when they need it.”
the payroll tax, which will begin in January 2024, will be assessed at 1.8% on wages, split between employers (0.99%) and employees (0.81%). Individuals earning less than $128,400 annually will see a reduced rate of 0.57%, while those earning above that threshold will pay the full 0.81%. Proponents estimate the tax will generate approximately $1.8 billion annually, supplementing existing federal healthcare funding.
Opponents of the measure, including business groups and some healthcare providers, raised concerns about the potential for increased costs, reduced access to care, and government bureaucracy. ”We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on Oregon’s economy and the quality of healthcare,” stated Janine Mulvihill, president of the Oregon Business Association. “A government-run healthcare system is not the answer.”
Despite these concerns, the passage of Measure 111 represents a bold step toward universal healthcare in the United States.The initiative’s success will be closely watched by policymakers and advocates across the nation as they consider choice approaches to addressing the ongoing healthcare crisis. the coming years will be critical as Oregon navigates the complex challenges of implementing a statewide universal healthcare system and demonstrating its viability as a potential model for the rest of the country.
