Historic Opportunity to Fix Health Care in Oregon
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2008-01-24 15:30:17.427215-05:00
One of AARP's most active advocacy efforts helped bring about a series of successes in the 2007 Legislature, topped by passage of Senate Bill 329, the Healthy Oregon Act.
This legislation, says Ray Miao, AARP Oregon's volunteer state president from Bend, lays the fundamental framework for creating a healthier, more financially secure Oregon.
Miao, recently appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate, will serve as one of the seven members of the Oregon Health Fund Board charged with a mission critical task: providing health coverage to all Oregonians while improving health care quality and reducing costs, putting a focus on primary and preventive care. The Board, working with state agencies and gathering input from the public and stakeholders on key reform concepts, will weave a comprehensive plan and present it for consideration by the 2009 Legislature.
"We have a historic opportunity to show how Oregonians can come together and fix one of the most pressing problems facing us - access to affordable, quality health care," he said. "This issue affects every single one of us. It knows no age, no gender, no political affiliation, no economic status, no race, ethnic or cultural background. I'm honored to serve our state, communities and my fellow Oregonians on this Board and very anxious to roll up my sleeves and get to work."
The process calls for public input and a host of special subcommittees to delve into financing, delivery, benefits and eligibility as well as a much-needed evaluation of federal policies and their impact on state health programs.
"This will give Oregonians an integral opportunity to weigh in with their thoughts, experiences and recommendations - we need and want to hear from you," Miao urged.
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