Increasing the tobacco tax would provide critical funding for Oregon Health Plan
The Oregon Health Plan is one of the most critical safety net resources we have in Oregon. The OHP saves lives, connecting people to critical health services including primary care, mental health, addiction services, dental and vision care. Now, more than ever, consistent access to health care is deeply needed. COVID-19 continues to impact communities, particularly Lantinx and Black Oregonians. However, our state Legislature is also looking at cutting services due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Passing Measure 108 is critical to maintaining and protecting the OHP. There are hundreds of thousands of people who rely on OHP, and thousands more have enrolled this year due to COIVD-19 and loss of employer-sponsored health insurance.
Ninety percent of the revenue from Measure 108 will go to fund OHP, which provides coverage to more than 1 million Oregonians, including 400,000 children. Our families and our communities count on OHP to be there when they need it, particularly in this time of increased unemployment and hardship due to the pandemic. Measure 108 will also dramatically increase funding for programs to prevent people from smoking and help people quit.
There has been broad acknowledgement from both supporters and opponents of Measure 108 that people who are more likely to smoke and pay this increased tax may be members of lower-income or other marginalized communities. This is also true within Central City Concern’s patient and staff populations. This is why setting aside 10% of the revenues for cessation — which would triple funding for prevention and cessation programs — is a key component, ensuring funds raised from the tax are directly reinvested back into the communities who are most likely to be impacted both by the increased tax and tobacco addiction. As a result of this clear set-aside, many culturally specific providers and BIPOC advocacy organizations are endorsing the measure.
Measure 108 is a win-win-win: reduce tobacco use, save lives and lower health care costs while funding vital health care programs.
This is our chance to protect the Oregon Health Plan. Vote yes on Measure 108.
Rachel Solotaroff is the president & CEO of Central City Concern
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