REPRESENTATIVE JIM THOMPSON

HOUSE DISTRICT 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Jim Williams
December 7, 2011	503-986-1423

JOINT HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE TO ACCEPT PUBLIC TESTIMONY

ON HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE, MEDICAID REFORMS

SALEM— Rep. Jim Thompson (R-Dallas) today announced the House and Senate Health Care committees will hold a special joint hearing on Tuesday, December 20 to receive public testimony on proposed health care reforms. 

Rep. Thompson, co-chair of the House Health Care Committee, said the joint committee will address efforts to reform Oregon’s Medicaid system, known as “Health Care Transformation,” as well as the proposal to create a new state health insurance exchange.

“State government is considering significant changes to Oregon’s health care system, but the public has not been given enough opportunities to express their opinions and concerns,” Rep. Thompson said.  “As the Legislature prepares for the 2012 session, we believe it’s important to hold public hearings as soon as possible to receive adequate input from the public.”

Earlier this year, the Legislature approved the Health Care Transformation bill to establish the framework of “Coordinated Care Organizations” to serve Medicaid-eligible patients under the Oregon Health Plan. The Legislature also passed a separate measure to begin the process of creating a health insurance exchange that is intended to serve as a central marketplace for Oregonians to obtain coverage.

Rep. Thompson said public testimony is necessary because the Legislature is now considering measures to fully implement Health Care Transformation and a new health insurance exchange in 2012. 

“The joint committee will receive testimony from doctors, health care organizations and other professionals, as well as any Oregonian who signs up to testify,” Rep. Thompson said.  “Oregonians who are interested or concerned about these reforms should attend this hearing, or contact their legislators or submit written testimony.”

Legislative committee staff is expected to release more details on the December 20 hearing in next few days.   Health Care Committee staff can be reached at 503-986-1286.

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