(SALEM) – The Oregon Senate gave bi-partisan approval Tuesday to a key measure which will provide more than $7 billion in healthcare funding over the next two state budget cycles. House Bill 2395 passed on a 29-1 vote.
“This bi-partisan plan brings billions to Oregon’s health care system. I see patients everyday who, whether they know it or not, are dependent upon this funding arrangement to receive health care. With our four-year extension of this revenue, we will maintain steady, secure funding for the health care services that many of the most vulnerable Oregonians rely on. It is a great example of what Democrats and Republicans can do together,” said Senator Alan Bates (DMedford), a primary care physician.
In 2015-17, House Bill 2395 will raise $880 million in state funds from a self-assessment on Oregon hospitals and draw down $2.4 billion in federal matching funds. The resulting $3.3 billion will primarily be used to fund the Oregon Health Plan and will be paid out to hospitals and other healthcare professionals who provide care to Medicaid patients. In 2017-19, the assessment will total more than $1 billion and draw down nearly $3 billion in federal matching funds for the same purpose.
The measure is the result of negotiations that included a bi-partisan group of lawmakers from each chamber, state health care officials and health care providers.
“I am deeply appreciative for the willingness of the hospitals to work with us to reach a 4-year agreement. They are truly our partners,” said Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose). “Without their help we could not have completed this critical piece of the budget.”
“I am pleased to see us reach this bipartisan agreement with the support of stakeholders across the medical community,” said Senator Jackie Winters (R-Salem). “These dollars are crucial to balancing our budget and serving the needs of Oregonians.”
House Bill 2395, which passed the House on a bi-partisan 56-2 vote last week, now goes to Governor Kate Brown for her signature.
