SALEM, Ore. – One of Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's major policy proposals cleared a key legislative hurdle Tuesday. The state Senate approved broad changes to the way Oregon would pay for health care for low-income people.
The measure would create so-called "Coordinated Care Organizations." They would give health-care providers more flexibility in spending Medicaid dollars.
Democratic Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson said the legislation would have a dramatic impact on health care spending.
"With these changes in place, Oregon will continue to be a national model in serving its citizens with a health care system that is efficient and prioritizes the ongoing health of the individual," she said.
Republicans tried to amend the measure to include limits on liability for participating doctors. But the effort failed.
The health care bill now heads to the Oregon House.
On the Web:
SB 1580 - Oregon health care bill: http://www.leg.state.or.us/12reg/measpdf/sb1500.dir/sb1580.a.pdf
Coordinated Care Organizations: http://www.oregon.gov/OHA/OHPB/health-reform/ccos.shtml
Previous coverage - Health Care 'Transformation' Would Buy Low-Cost Innovations: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=146606281
Copyright 2012 Northwest News Network
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