Although it is soon to change, if the ACA survives, Oregon, one of the first states to provide health insurance to poor adults, can extend their unusual health care plan to all. Now, there are insufficient resources to cover everyone. After determining the resources available, Oregon calculates how many people they can cover under the Oregon Health Plan. Then they hold a lottery among all who qualify.
When Wendy Parris shattered her ankle, the emergency room put it in an air cast and sent her on her way. Because she had no insurance, doctors did not operate to fix it. A mother of six, Ms. Parris hobbled around for four years, pained by the foot, becoming less mobile and gaining weight.
But in 2008, Oregon opened its Medicaid rolls to some working-age adults living in poverty, like Ms. Parris. Lacking the money to cover everyone, the state established a lottery, and Ms. Parris was one of the 89,824 residents who entered in the hope of winning insurance.
With that lottery, Oregon became a laboratory for studying the effects of extending health insurance to people who previously did not have it. Health economists say the state has become the single best place to study a question at the center of debate in Washington as the Supreme Court prepares to rule, likely next week, on the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care law: What are the costs and benefits of coverage?
In a continuing study, an all-star group of researchers following Ms. Parris and tens of thousands of other Oregonians has found that gaining insurance makes people feel healthier, happier and more financially stable. The insured also spend more on health care, dashing some hopes of preventive-medicine advocates who have argued that coverage can save money — by keeping people out of emergency rooms, for instance. In Oregon, the newly insured spent an average of $778 a year, or 25 percent, more on health care than those who did not win insurance… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
Unfortunately for me, I lost in the 2008 lottery and did not win my SSDI appeal until late 2009. For me, I found that spending more on health care after gaining insurance is temporary, brought on by going without health care after loosing mine in 2006 when my job was GW Bushwhacked. But as I catch up, my care is shifting to preventive and maintenance care.
Few things are more frustrating than needing medical care and being unable to get it. I have been there and know what it is to decide between medicine and food.
For most uninsured Americans, Obamacare will provide the same security that Medicare provides me. Republicans want to take this away to provide more welfare for the rich.
12 Responses to “Oregon a Laboratory for Obamacare”
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I do so agree; an initial higher cost is due to a "catch up" situation ; prevention and maintenance are cheaper—-I have lived without insurance– was grateful when I got coverage and very grateful for medicare —That people go without basic care is a crime ;
Years ago now I did some study – and a paper , (College work ) addressing the question of Right to Health care—- I think I would most likely come out the same place— Basic care- to address health issues- maintain quality of life– ensure quality care– is most likely a right—
However when we come to cutting edge procedures—-the very high tech treatments being developed– is another question- and open to debate- certainly to examination and study–I think one question would concern benefits to be acheived –what is outcome expected ? And that gets into some pretty hairy areas indeed—? Not simple answers here-
Phyllis, I agree. I think people have a right to the best health care in standard practice. Cutting edge that is not yet standard and prohibitively expensive is another matter, The Oregon Health Plan has a list of covered procedures.
For me, single payer makes the most sense.
I'm new around here, and did not realize the extent of your health problems.
Sorry to hear about all that, hope you can keep healthy enough to enjoy.
Steve I agree. I think single payer is where we end up, but the only chance to get there will be incrementally.
Thanks for your concern. I get by. 🙂
"Few things are more frustrating than needing medical care and being unable to get it. I have been there and know what it is to decide between medicine and food."
I so identify with deciding between food and medicine even while working for General Electric… I support Single Payer H.R. 676 Medicare for all Americans…
That plan works for me too.
As many know, I am a Canuck and I have universal healthcare. My monthly premium is $64/mth (it went up) and that covers all doctor's visits, hospital stays, emergency services, as well as optometry visits yearly (for seniors and diabetics). It does not cover drugs but we have Fair Pharmacare which is based on your income. Once you hit your deductible amount, Fair Pharnacare takes over. I can't tell you how great it was to go to the pharmacy and instead of paying $1,300 for a 3 month supply of medications, I paid nothing. Of course nothing is free, but this is our tax dollars at work. Social healthcare. It is not perfect, but everybody is included and nobody dies in the street from lack of coverage. BTW, provincial health insurance is mandatory and if circumstances are such that you can't afford your premiums, the Medical Services Plan has remedies.
My fervent wish for Americans is a just system where all people have access to affordable medical care. You won't get that from Republican/Teabaggers!
Vote Democrat 2012!!!!! Vote Obama/Biden 2012!!!!!
Even with a Medicare Advantage Plan, I pay over $200.month in combined premiums.
Our costs- Husband and myself for medicare part B , a BC/BS supplement and Part D is $500 a month EACH — or #1000 per month—since we both worked al our lives – we both have SS and Pensions– we make it– but we do not qualify for a bit of help— Our medical costs are roughly 25% of our monthly income–Single payer is only way–
PS — Way to go Oregon for be socially minded and principled!
I can empathize with you TomCat. I went without health insurance for many years and when I finally got it it was "catch-up" time. Kudos to Oregon but it's too bad they have to hold a lottery and can't afford health care for all.
The lottery might have been better had I won. 😉 A Republican State would have said, "We don't have enough for all," given converge to none, and given the money they did have to a billionaire.