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I was disappointed that the host did not seem to understand the underlying dynamics regarding these community meetings and the role of the Health Fund Board. The Board was established by legislation passed during the 2007 session. There are six sub-committees, two workgroups and a separate advisory council working on particular areas. These groups will present reports to the seven-member Health Fund Board during the coming months. The Health Fund Board will analyze and assess these reports and any recommendations they contain to create its comprehensive recommendations for a health care reform proposal for Oregon. This proposal will then be presented to the 2009 Legislature.

It is important to note that while the sub-committees and workgroups have discussed some of the ideas presented by the host, NO DECISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.

The community meetings were conceived by the Oregon Health Forum, Oregon Health Decisions and the Oregon Health Reform Collaborative, in order to ensure that the Health Fund Board heard the voices and thoughts of Oregonians from around the state. The Northwest Health Foundation is funding the 14 meetings. While the Oregon Health Fund Board is an eager participant -- the Executive Director and at least one Board Member is scheduled to attend EVERY MEETING -- these meetings are not being coordinated or facilitated by the Health Fund Board.

This is an important point -- Oregonians have an opportunity to provide input to the Health Fund Board through these convening organizations. The conveners of these meetings do not have a specific agenda with respect to health care reform. They have partnered with the American Leadership Forum of Oregon to provide neutral facilitators at every meeting. The reports that will be submitted to the Oregon Health Fund board will compliment the work of the experts on the subcommittees and workgroups and give the Board members an opportunity to compare the needs and values of Oregonians with the data and work of those experts BEFORE compiling a comprehensive plan.

It was disconcerting to hear your host imply that decisions have been already been made -- THAT IS NOT THE CASE! Oregonian need to take the time to attend these meetings and have their voices heard and counted. The implication that decisions have already been made is a disservice to this important effort.

posted 5 years ago
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