| Governor's Oregon Principles Budget 2005-2007 |
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| Health and Basic Needs |
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What else is the Governor doing to contribute to this principle?
Health Care for Working Families
In July 2004, the Governor announced the creation of a new employer-sponsored, Children’s Group Plan to begin in January 2005. The plan aims to decrease the number of uninsured children by providing an incentive to employers who currently do not provide health insurance for their employees to purchase this low cost plan for the dependents of their employees.
Assistance for Rural Doctors
In the 2003 legislative session, the Governor proposed a program to provide help to rural doctors in meeting the high cost of malpractice insurance. Passed by a wide bipartisan margin, House Bill 3630 went into effect in January 2004. Under the program, administered by SAIF Corporation, rural doctors receive help with their premiums at the rate of 80 percent for obstetricians, 60 percent for family practitioners who deliver babies, and 40 percent for all other rural doctors. More than 1,000 rural doctors currently participate in the program.
Bulk Purchasing of Prescription Drugs
The Governor worked with legislators and key stakeholders to establish the Oregon Prescription Drug Program, a bulk purchasing program. The program will allow low income seniors, local governments and participating state entities to receive the most effective drugs at the best possible prices. The state plans to implement the program in early 2005, saving Oregonians an estimated $8,550,000 per year.
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