Is Oregon Paving the Way for Universal Health Care in the US?

"In 2022, Oregonians narrowly passed Measure 111, amending their constitution and guaranteeing affordable health care as a fundamental right to every resident of the state. Through years of organizing, coalition building and planning, Oregon may enact its Universal Health Plan as early as fall 2027. In the face of extreme Medicaid cuts from the Trump administration, which will leave roughly 16 million people without health coverage by 2034, a state-level universal plan could mean the difference between cared-for, insured patients and thousands of preventable deaths."

"Oregon's single-payer health care dream still has hurdles to overcome, but with a constitutional amendment voted in by the people, it may have a leg up over previous state-level campaigns, such as Vermont's Green Mountain Care in the early 2010s. Even so, a clear understanding of what went wrong in previous campaigns - as well as continued organizing in Oregon - is needed to push it through. If successful, Oregon could lead by example and set the stage for a better, more efficient health care system in other states. While a national campaign isn't on the table, organizers can look to Oregon for how to push a bold health agenda in their state."

Measure 111 amended Oregon's constitution in 2022 to guarantee affordable health care as a fundamental right, positioning the state to implement a Universal Health Plan as early as fall 2027. Deep Medicaid cuts at the federal level threaten to leave roughly 16 million people uninsured by 2034, making state-level action potentially lifesaving. Oregon's pathway faces obstacles, but the constitutional amendment could offer advantages over prior efforts such as Vermont's Green Mountain Care. A careful analysis of past failures and sustained organizing are necessary to advance the plan. Success in Oregon could model a more efficient system for other states.

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