OR House approves creation of health insurance exchange, coverage for all

THE OREGONIAN, 06/07/2011 posted by Bill Graves

The Oregon House today gave final passage to a bill that will create a government-regulated health insurance marketplace called an exchange, extending coverage to nearly all residents. Senate Bill 99, which creates the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange as a public corporation governed by a nine-member board, passed easily by a 48-to-12 vote this afternoon. The bill is on its way to the desk of Gov. John Kitzhaber, a supporter, for his signature. Rep. Jim Thompson, R-Dallas, co-chair of the House Health Care Committee, introduced the bill during a 30-minute debate and noted that the federal government will create a health insurance exchange for Oregon if the state doesn't build its own. Read moreat OregonLive...