SEIU Local 49 Issues Statement on Committee Hearing on Health Care Prices and Consolidation

Today, the House Interim Committee on Health Care heard invited testimony from Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen regarding SB 889 implementation efforts and Dr. John McConnell on Oregon's Health Care Market—Consolidation, Prices, and Affordability.

As leader of SEIU Local 49—an organization that represents thousands of health care workers who help deliver care, but are also patients and major purchasers of health care in the state—President Meg Niemi issued the following statement:

“Oregon has long held a vision of building a more equitable health system that keeps our families healthy and our communities strong. Ensuring everyone can access high quality, affordable health care is key to delivering on this shared vision.

And while we’ve seen signs of progress, the presentations this morning provide a powerful reminder that we still have more work to do. If we want to create a health system that works for all Oregonians, we cannot accept that health care prices in our state are rising faster than the rest of the nation and families struggle with some of the highest deductible rates in the country.

We must take a hard look at what’s contributing to the rising cost of care and we applaud Dr. McConnell for highlighting the concerning impact of consolidation in Oregon. His remarks are timely as Providence Health & Services, one of the largest providers, insurer, and employer in the state, recently announced plans for further consolidation.

We often hear that consolidation will lead to improved efficiency and higher quality care, however study after study, including those mentioned in Dr. McConnell’s presentation, document a troubling link between consolidation and increased prices for patients. As these market shifts continue, it’s critical to understand how they impact our state’s ability to deliver on the promise of healthier families and communities.

Thanks to the passage of SB 889, we are encouraged to see leaders around the state collaborate to address sky rocketing growth in prices that drive Oregon families into financial hardship.

We’re hopeful that Oregon is on the verge of change, and we are focused on ensuring that the shifts in our health care market, whether consolidation or regulation, deliver on our state’s long-held vision for quality care that people can afford and access.”