VOTE: NO
Died In Committee on 06-26-21
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB2164
This bill is a study by the Governor related to health laws. However the Governor testified amending it renaming Health Care for All Oregon Children program to Cover All People program covering all adult residents 19 years and older regardless of immigration status.
Fiscal Responsibility
-3 Amendment eligibility criteria: adult, resident; income below 138% of federal poverty level (FPL) unless pregnant, at or below 190% FPL; ineligible for Medicaid or premium tax credits due to immigration status. Allows Oregon Health Authority to narrow eligibility if necessary, based on appropriation. Directs OHA and Department of Consumer and Business Services to request federal approval or waiver to maximize federal participation. Allocates $10 million taxpayer funds to Cover All People. How many of illegals crossing the border with diseases has the governor invited to Oregon so she can keep Oregon closed down?
Limited Government
Bill sets up the Governor’s agenda for universal health care, which is already being studied from last session. This bill is a study of laws related to health, with a focus on potential policy changes that address health equity. The office shall provide the results of the study in a report to the appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided under ORS 192.245 no later than September 15, 2022.
Universal healthcare is economically irresponsible and demonstrates a complete disregard for tax paying citizens of this country. I know Vietnam Veterans who are over 70 years old who have lior helth conditions and are still waiting to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, and this bill wants to vaccinate illegal immigrants! Yet another peice of evidence that Americans come last, even those who have sacrificed for this county.
Additionally, universal health care, just like the public education system, must finction to the lowest common denominator. Thus, the exclemce of the American free market health care will be lost and replaced by a health care system that has no incentives for excellence in care, technology or service.