You are here

Home > Making Health Care Work for Oregon >

Making Health Care Work for Oregon Updates

Competition and Transparency Bring Down Health Insurance Costs—Here’s the Proof

Thursday, May 16, 2013
By | Jesse Ellis O'Brien
Health Care Advocate

Something remarkable just happened to health insurance costs here in Oregon. Last week, after the state’s health insurers posted their proposed premium rates for next year, two insurers publicly reversed course and moved to cut their prices.

The Supreme Court and the High Cost of Rx Drugs

Tuesday, March 26, 2013
By | Jesse Ellis O'Brien
Health Care Advocate

Everyone knows prescription drugs cost more than they should. But many people are surprised to learn about one of the key ways drug companies keep prices high: Paying off competitors to keep generics off the market.

Media Hit | Health Care

Public comment sought on rules for Oregon health insurance exchange

State officials are holding a hearing Wednesday to receive public comment on rules for the state's health insurance exchange -- essentially an online marketplace for consumers called for by federal health reforms.

Media Hit | Health Care

Malpractice Legislation Nearly Ready to See Daylight

After months of negotiations between trial lawyers and physicians, legislators are optimistic about reaching a consensus on medical malpractice reform when they gather in Salem next month. All along the goal has been to find a way of reducing lawsuits while creating a safer patient environment.

Here’s that Rx refill you didn’t order

Thursday, October 25, 2012
By | Jesse Ellis O'Brien
Health Care Advocate

Is your pharmacy refilling your prescription without your knowledge or approval, and billing your insurance company for the cost? If so, it’s the latest example of waste we shouldn't tolerate in our health care system.

News Release | OSPIRG | Health Care

Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act

Today’s decision is good news for consumers in Oregon. Now it’s time for Oregon leaders to move forward on the next steps, and make sure health reform delivers lower costs and better quality coverage.

What should your health plan cover?—Oregon wants to hear from YOU!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012
By | Jesse Ellis O'Brien
Health Care Advocate

We all expect our health insurance to cover our basic health needs, but the significant differences in coverage between plans can be confusing and disempowering for consumers. What services should all health insurance in Oregon cover? Governor Kitzhaber recently convened a panel to answer just this question--and they want to hear from you!

Oregon Health Insurance Exchange Debates Strategies to Control Costs, Improve Quality

Thursday, May 17, 2012
By | Jesse Ellis O'Brien
Health Care Advocate

The future of health insurance in Oregon is at stake this summer.  The state is in the middle of an ambitious effort to remake health care that holds the promise of creating a better deal for consumers—if it’s done right.

CO-OP Health Insurance Promises Greater Consumer Control

Friday, May 11, 2012
By | David Rosenfeld
Executive Director

What if your health insurance company answered to you?  What if it could be held accountable for its policies and fees through member elections? 

News Release | OSPIRG | Health Care

Health Exchange Clears Oregon Legislature

Consumers might see decent affordable coverage on the horizon, now that Oregon lawmakers have given the green light for the new Health Insurance Exchange.

Pages

More

Tools & Resources

PRIORITY ACTION

Take our quick survey to let us know who your health insurer is, and we'll make sure you're the first to know when they propose a rate hike — and give you a chance to speak up.
 

Take Survey

Support Us

Your donation supports OSPIRG’s work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.

donate today

Consumer Alerts

Join our network and stay up to date on our campaigns, get important consumer updates, and take action on critical issues.