Statement: House Health Care Committee passes HB 2010 unanimously

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PORTLAND — Oregonians could soon have the option to purchase government-sponsored health insurance. On Tuesday, the Oregon House Health Care Committee weighed HB 2010, a bill that directs the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Consumer and Business Services to study and report to the legislature on potential ways to design a public option, and the effects of each choice. Led by Chair Rachel Prusak, the committee voted unanimously to move the bill to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, with a recommendation to pass it.

OSPIRG’s Health Care Advocate, Maribeth Guarino, issued the following statement:

“We’re glad to see this bill get bipartisan support from the committee. We all know health care costs too much for Oregonians, and this bill can help the state lower those costs. Right now, the conversation is about how to do that, and passing this bill, then following through on its provisions, will put the necessary information at the legislature’s fingertips. Then, with a menu of policy choices and their projected effects at their disposal, lawmakers can create and pass the most effective public option possible by this time next year. 

“The high cost of health care affects people’s everyday lives, and it is clear that the stories and experiences of the consumers, small business owners, and advocates who testified for the bill had a significant impact on the Health Care Committee. Now, it’s time to show the Ways and Means Committee why the public option is so important for Oregonians. With every legislative committee vote, we get one step closer to a public option in Oregon — and one step closer to a health care system that works for all of us and our communities.”

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