Health care is one of the basic, fundamental needs of all human beings. Yet in these times, it is hard, if not impossible, to have adequate health care without paying large amounts of money to a doctor, hospital or pharmacist.
The two options left for those who need medical care are either being rich or being a member of a HMO or insurance company. And most HMOs or insurance companies do not have the best interests of the patient at heart.
This is why we endorse the passage of Measure 23 — the Oregon Comprehensive Health Care Finance Plan. For a progressive income tax rate of no more than 8 percent — so much for the “huge tax increase” that the measure’s opponents threaten — every Oregonian will be assured basic health care, dental care and 24-hour hospital care, should they need it. Our only concern with the bill is that it does not set explicit residency requirements.
But that is a minor quibble. Nearly half a million Oregonians have no health insurance. While the free or low-cost clinics in Eugene and other cities can help with immunizations and minor ailments, the uninsured often can’t get care until they need to go to the emergency room — and even then, they’re stuck with the bill.
Those days have to end. We urge students to vote yes on Measure 23 and bring a health care plan to Oregon that will help all Oregonians.
Yes on Measure 23 gives health care basics to Oregon
Daily Emerald
October 27, 2002
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