Oregon voters last night approved a referendum backing the state legislature’s decision to increase the provider tax on certain larger and urban hospitals by 0.7% and institute a 1.5% tax on certain health plans to help preserve the state’s expansion of Medicaid to some 350,000 low-income residents under the Affordable Care Act. “Tonight’s vote is critical affirmation of our collective belief that Oregon is better off with a robust Medicaid program that tends to the needs of patients before, during and after an illness or the birth of a child,” said Andy Davidson, president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, which was part of a coalition that supported the ballot measure. “It is a recognition that our vulnerable friends and neighbors need access to the lifesaving services that our entire health care system provides. We are proud to have been an integral partner in fighting for these patients and their families.”

Related News Articles

Headline
A study published April 28 by Health Affairs Scholar found low-income adults living in states with Medicaid expansion experienced an average 9.5% relative…
Headline
The AHA April 30 released a report highlighting how hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge…
News
The AHA April 29 urged majority and minority leaders in both the Senate and House to not make disruptive policy changes to Medicaid and other coverage options…
Headline
Twelve House Republicans April 14 sent a letter to House leadership voicing their opposition to potential Medicaid cuts. The lawmakers said they support “…
Headline
The AHA yesterday released two new resources highlighting the significance of Medicaid and the potential impacts if Congress makes cuts to the program. An…
Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services April 10 announced that it does not intend to approve new or extend existing requests for federal funds to…