The voters have spoken. Oregon is making history as the first state to make affordable health care a constitutional right. Ballot Measure 111 passed with just 50.7 percent of the vote. A “yes” vote supported amending the state constitution to require that the state “ensure that every resident of Oregon has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable health care as a fundamental right.”
There was also a “no” vote which opposed amending the state constitution to require that the state “ensure that every resident of Oregon has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable health care as a fundamental right.” Currently, about 6% of Oregonians are uninsured. Experts do not know how much it would cost to these Oregonians coverage.
Some have issue that the measure will effect Oregon’s budget. The measure acknowledges it could add costs to the state budget but leaves budgeting decisions up to state lawmakers, saying it “must be balanced against the public interest in funding public schools and other essential public services.” Those services are not defined.
Only about 150,000 people have individual policies through the federal marketplace, and less than 1 million are covered by Medicare, which insures people 65 and over and those with disabilities. The Oregon Health Plan is the state’s version of free Medicaid coverage. Through Oregon’ employers, about one-third are insured through the Oregon Health Plan.
The amendment stated that legal remedies for lawsuits brought against the proposed section may not interfere with the balance between a right to healthcare and funding other essential public services. This was the first amendment adopted by any state to secure a right to affordable healthcare for all state residents.
