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The Oregon Health Care Association is asking legislators for cost of living adjustments in the 2015-17 budget to meet the growing needs of low-income seniors.

But state officials are optimistic about continuing their healthcare reform efforts.

The parent organization for the Salem Hospital donated $50,000 to the Create Jobs PAC to help them defeat a payroll tax levy this November. The PAC, affiliated with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce also bankrolled a failed attempt to oust Senate President Peter Courtney last fall. The political activity may run afoul of the hospital’s federal non-profit status and invite penalties from the IRS.

Meanwhile, Rep. Dan Rayfield said he was implementing creative means to reduce the Oregon Health Authority’s over-reliance on the substandard open-card system and to speed the transfer of Medicaid members to CCOs.