Access to quality, affordable, equitable health care is a human right, as highlighted by the disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic. Thanks to Oregon’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act, about 5-6% of Oregonians lack access to health insurance, a historic low. However, it is clear that our health care system does not work for many Oregonians, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and working families. We continue to close this gap to ensure that everyone has access and to work for changes that improve health equity by building on the inherent strengths of local communities.
At the same time, we need to take action to rein in the rising health care costs that are straining working families across Oregon while the hospital and pharmaceutical industries are making billions in profits. Oregon has adopted important reforms to address these challenges, including limiting health care cost increases, paying for quality rather than quantity in health care, and reviewing health care business deals before they are finalized. We need to continue this work until health care is accessible and affordable for everybody.
Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB)
The Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB) contracts for and administers benefits for state and higher education employees and their families, providing health, dental, and vision insurance and other benefits for about 140,000 Oregonians. PEBB offers outstanding benefits and is a leader in implementing health care cost containment strategies to maintain quality affordable care for members. PEBB benefits are a key part of public workers’ total compensation and help make up the difference when workers’ wages are lower than the private sector. The state must maintain excellent PEBB benefits in order to hire and retain a talented workforce.
Prior to 2011, PEBB premiums rose on par with the commercial insurance market, including almost tripling between 2000 and 2011. Since 2011, PEBB has implemented strategies for living within the state’s 3.4% health care growth target while commercial insurance plans have continued to increase 6-7% per year. PEBB has capped hospital payments, limited cost growth, and serves most members through a “medical home” to improve care while reducing costs. PEBB also supports efforts to align the rest of the health care system around these goals. Much work remains to hold hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and provider networks accountable to improve care while not shifting costs to health care consumers. This remains a priority for our union.