Oregon Governor Kulongoski Statement On Passage Of Healthy Kids - Healthy Oregon

House passes two key bills to expand coverage and control health care costs.

June 8, 2009 -- (Salem) – “Today marks a momentous day for Oregonians. With House Bill 2116 and House Bill 2009 this state is among a few others to take meaningful action to address the fundamental problem with our health care system: it costs too much and covers too few.

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“House Bill 2116 represents one of the most significant measures before the legislature this session. Three years ago I made it a priority to provide every child in Oregon with access to affordable health care, and with the support of the Oregon House of Representatives we are closer than ever before.

“Today we also began to rebuild the Oregon Health Plan by providing more low-income adults with access to care. Healthy families – parents and children – benefit us all. Over the next two years, more than 200,000 low-income adults and children will be able to see a doctor when they need to without worry and without passing the costs to those with insurance.

“With House Bill 2009, we have taken the best first steps to reform our health care system and reduce costs for those with insurance. House Bill 2009 contains real savings that will improve the quality of care and increase transparency of the health care industry and insurance companies so we all understand more clearly – and can take more action to contain – the rising costs associated with health care.

“I applaud the Oregon House, hospitals and insurers for their partnership and look forward to the Senate moving these bills to my desk for signature."

Source: Oregon Governor