1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

Stop gambling with our lives! So many Oregonians have to base their decisions around their health insurance, stuck in jobs or relationships for fear of losing coverage. Others are paying obscene premiums for private policies with lackluster coverage. Even with insurance it is so convoluted and difficult to find a provider and actually get seen. The greed in the private healthcare industry has rotted the system to its core. I recently started a small business. A lifelong dream but in doing so I had to forfeit my employer health plan and due to the low amount of money I make I am now a card carrying OHP client. I have been impressed with the level of coverage I receive through Pacific Sources’ Community Health Plan. Especially as I navigate a chronic autoimmune illness which requires medication and regular lab work. I have often thought “Why isn’t something like this available to everyone?”. But last week I heard Pacific Source will no longer be serving OHP clients in Lane County. The fear and uncertainty is overwhelming not knowing what coverage I will have in January. This system is broken. I implore you as our leaders to come together and enact a plan to bring healthcare to all Oregonians. Let us be on the cutting edge of making healthcare a human right for our residents. Give dignity and support to everyone no matter their income or privilege. Take the greed out of the system and bring it back to its roots in compassionate care. Health is the foundation of our lives and Oregonians cannot live full rich lives while living in fear over an uncovered accident or illness. Give the gift of that peace of mind to your constituents. We cannot wait for the President to act we must do this for ourselves. Medicare for Oregon. Now.