Health care isn't a Republican issue or a Democratic issue -

it's an American issue.

As the national health care discussion unfolded over the last year, we heard an earful from a lot of directions.  But we didn't hear a lot from doctors - the people who actually work in the system everyday, who understand many of the problems and recognize solutions.

During the national political debate about health care, the use of divisive messaging and misrepresentation of facts has led us away from important conversations about solutions, and baited us into arguments with our fellow Americans. We need to overcome the divisiveness that today’s politics and media feed – and find a solution to the problems in health care together.

The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians designed this website to connect you with the facts about the new federal health care law - and so you can learn about the things going on Oregon, where we are at the leading edge of health care innovation.

But we want you to know that our journey has just begun  - the new federal and state health care reform laws are not the end of the story but are just a beginning. In particular the federal health care law fails to tackle some of the core problems in our health care system.

The fact of the matter is, despite spending more than any other nation by far, we do not get good VALUE for our money. This is because we have not set up the rules of the game to reward value - our health care system pays for quantity, not quality.

To fix this, the most important thing we should focus on is how we actually deliver health care services - because the delivery of medical care is what ultimately controls the cost and generates VALUE.

We know how to do a better job of preventing illness and providing better care for chronic and costly medical problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.  Extensive research shows us the further we move toward well-coordinated, patient-centered primary care, people are healthier and costs are lower. Increasing access to more efficient, effective care such as this requires a reorientation of these incentives and support for innovation in care.

LISTEN, LEARN, PASS IT ON!

Find out the facts, and talk to others in your community about these issues.  Advocate for affordable health care that prevents illness and delivers better health.

Your voice and your vote are important. Use them!  Tell your legislators what you think.  (click here to contact your legislator).

This site seeks to empower you and help you inform yourself about these issues. Choose some of the links below to investigate what's going on around the country and get active with others like you. These links come from across the political and social spectrum - some ideas you find there you may agree with, some you won't. That's the point. We believe that if Americans are presented with good information and resources, we will make informed choices and advocate for doing the right things to ensure a better health care future for our families and ourselves.

What's REALLY in the new Federal Health Care Bill?

The Kaiser Family Foundation has launched a gateway page featuring resources about health reform and reliable information about the new federal health care law.

Are you confused by all the conflicting information you are hearing about health reform proposals?  Fact Check is a website devoted to separating fact from fiction.

Link to an understandable summary of the main parts of the new federal health care law: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - from familydoctor.org – a site maintained by the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

Link to the full text of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – passed March 2010

Link to the full text of the reconciliation act passed March 2010

Are you a small business owner, struggling with skyrocketing health care costs? Do the Right Thing, Join Others and Work to Change the System! Visit: Oregon Small Business for Responsible Leadership, or the Small Business Majority.

Have your friends, family, or neighbors had trouble paying medical bills? Do you think the federal health care law could be improved?  Do you think we can do better in Oregon?  Join others and Work to Change the System!  Visit:  the Oregon Health Action Campaign or the Archimedes Movement.

Are you a health care professional frustrated by a system that is a bureaucratic nightmare and inhibits your ability to do your job well? Join others and Work to Change the System!  Visit: Doctors for America

Mid-sized/large business owner or executive? Visit: The Oregon Business Association or the National Business Coalition on Health.

What's going on in Oregon?

In 2009 the Oregon legislature passed the Healthy Kids law which expands the Oregon Health Plan coverage to 80,000 children and 50,000 low-income adults.  It also passed HB 2009 which creates a newOregon Health Authority and the Oregon Health Policy Board.  The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Health Policy Board are charged with ensuring the state meets the Triple Aim - to simultaneously:

• Improve the health of Oregonians
• Increase the quality, reliability and affordability of care and
• Contain or lower health care costs

Not from Oregon/Interested in other states' efforts/national advocacy?

Visit: The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Families USA, Universal Health Care Action Network, or The Commonwealth Fund.

Want to know how much you pay to care for the uninsured?

Click here to read more

The Latest News in Health Care:

Click here to read the daily reports