Understanding the Impact of Oregon Measure 118 on Your Healthcare
As your healthcare provider, we don’t normally get involved in politics. But we felt it was important to share information about Oregon Measure 118, also known as “the Oregon Rebate,” on the ballot this November. We understand that the promise of extra money might seem appealing, but we’re concerned about how this measure could affect your access to healthcare.
What This Means for You
If passed, Measure 118 could significantly impact our ability to provide timely and accessible care to all our patients and increase costs overall. Here’s why:
- Longer Wait Times: Healthcare providers in Oregon are already struggling to see patients as quickly as we’d all like to. The measure would make it harder for us to hire more staff, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and treatments.
- Reduced Access for Medicare and Medicaid Patients: Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements often don’t cover the full cost of patient care, but under Measure 118, we would still face additional taxes even when operating at a loss on these visits. Unlike other types of business, medical practices don’t pass on increased costs to patients. This means we may have to limit the number of Medicare and Medicaid patients we can see, which could disproportionately affect our most vulnerable community members.
- Higher Costs Overall: The measure would likely increase the cost of all your essentials like food, clothing, and even medicine, putting additional strain on your budget.
We care deeply about your health and well-being, and we’re committed to providing the best possible care. That’s why we feel it’s important to share how this measure could affect our ability to serve you and your loved ones.
What You Can Do
We encourage you to learn more about Measure 118 and its potential impacts. Consider how it might affect your healthcare access and overall cost of living. Most importantly, make your voice heard by voting in November.
Remember, your health is our priority. We’re here to support you and provide the care you need, regardless of the outcome of this measure. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Take care and stay healthy.
You can learn more about Measure 118 in your Oregon Voters’ pamphlet, at the nonpartisan Oregon Center for Public Policy, and the bipartisan information page No on Measure 118.