SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon lawmakers have begun putting together the state’s part of the health insurance overhaul called for under the new federal health care law.
They’re working on a bill to create an exchange that would allow small businesses and people who don’t have coverage to enjoy some of the advantages of pooled purchasing power for health policies. It’s expected to serve 350,000 Oregonians by 2014.
The Obama administration has given the state a $48 million grant to put together an online site for the exchange.
The measure is in a Senate committee whose members were urged Thursday by consumer advocates not to allow insurance carriers with policies in the exchange to sit on its governing board.
Dozens of amendments have been proposed, and the committee will begin work on them next week.
