Governor Kitzhaber praised the Public Employees’ Benefits Board for rising to his challenge to create high quality, financially sustainable health plans for more than 130,000 public employees and their families statewide. Today PEBB approved final premium rates for new health plans.
"Last year I asked the health care community to help us improve the quality of health care options offered to the state's workforce and their families," Governor Kitzhaber said. "I'm happy that insurance carriers and providers have stepped up with options that provide meaningful choice and accountability while taking into consideration workers' wallets. We're transforming our health care system to produce better health at more affordable costs. This frees up money to invest in priorities critical to Oregon's future, such as education, early learning and workforce development."
The board voted to approve new plans that will be available to state employees covered under PEBB in 2015. These plans are the best deal for PEBB members and the state.
PEBB, like other large health-care purchasers, has seen the cost of care almost double over the past 12 years. The state has struggled to cover these increases, and PEBB members have stepped up by paying a greater share of costs and taking greater responsibility for their individual health.
The PEBB plans model the efforts to improve health and lower cost growth through Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). The CCOs are starting to show results in containing costs, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits, and increasing primary care.
"Our Coordinated Care Organizations are delivering promising results to Oregon Health Plan members,” the Governor said. “We want to see the same kinds of health improvements in our state’s workforce and their families."
Learn more about PEBB at: www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB
