REPRESENTATIVE MATT WINGARD

OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE DISTRICT 26

REP. WINGARD ANNOUNCES HEALTH CARE REFORM PACKAGE

SALEM—Rep. Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville) today announced a package of health care reform bills that he will work to pass during the 2009 session. He said the market-based reforms will reduce health care costs, expand access and promote consumer choice.

“Oregon’s health care system is broken due to needless bureaucracy and excessive regulation,” Rep. Wingard said. “To make our health care system more affordable to individuals, families and employers, the Legislature should pass these common sense measures that help Oregonians get the coverage they need.”

Rep. Wingard said two bills in the package focus on reforming state regulations and mandates that have increased the costs of health insurance. HB 2806 would enable individuals to purchase affordable health insurance coverage without expensive mandates. HB 2863 reforms Oregon’s insurance codes to enable Oregonians to purchase out-of-state insurance policies.

“State laws force Oregonians to purchase policies that include mandated coverage for services they don’t want or don’t need,” Rep. Wingard said. “For example, male consumers are forced to purchase policies that cover birth control pills and mammography screenings. Under HB 2806, Oregonians can purchase policies with only the services they need to be healthy.”

Rep. Wingard added, “By giving Oregon consumers more choices for coverage, HB 2863 will make our state’s health care insurance more competitive and affordable.”

Rep. Wingard also said he will push for passage of HB 2465, which would allow individuals and families who purchase their own health insurance the same tax deduction that Oregon employers already receive under the law. Further, HB 2464 would give 46,000 public employees the option to use a Health Savings Account to better manage their personal health insurance expenses and decisions.

“Raising taxes and increasing government spending will not reduce the costs of heath care,” Rep. Wingard said. “These common sense reforms will reduce the cost of health insurance in Oregon allowing thousands of families in our state to finally be able to afford coverage.”

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