Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

A Preliminary Report On The Implementation Of Health Care Rationing In Oregon, Theresa Julnes, Tom Lee Mason

Center for Urban Studies Publications and Reports

Oregon is now in the process of implementing a first of its kind health care rationing plan. The intent of this new legislation is to expand Medicaid coverage to all citizens at or below the Federal poverty level. Under the proposed system, health care services will be prioritized and will be available only to the extent they can be paid for by presently appropriated funds. This rationing program is an extension of a policy adopted in 1987 whereby Oregon ended public expenditures for organ transplants. The following preliminary report examines the background of the policy, the national significance of the …