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Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Earlier this week, we learned from Salem Health that they had stopped negotiating with Regence to renew their contracts with them. This leaves approximately 30,000 people without access to hospital coverage under Regence in the Salem area, which includes both Salem Health and the hospital in Dallas.
I have been urging both parties to continue the conversation and I am very concerned that talks have ended. I reached out to the Department of Business and Consumer Services and spoke with the Director and Oregon’s Insurance Commissioner, Andrew Stolfi, whose team have put together resources to help those who are impacted navigate this situation. You will find them below.
Other efforts also continue by Salem area legislators. Please know that we will do what we can to end this impasse to ensure that you have access to needed care under the insurer of your choice.
For those not impacted by this situation, cost of healthcare is still an issue. The cost of the medication I take has gone up five-fold this year, and I know you have similar stories. Please feel free to write to me to let me know what you are experiencing. We must work together on this issue. We can’t let the cost of healthcare bankrupt us.
Sincerely yours,
Deb
Resources from the Department of Consumer and Business Services
Home page: Regarding Salem Health / Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
https://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/SalemHealth-RegenceBCBS.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions: This page give information specific to what type of plan you have as well as contact information for DCBS and others as relevant.
https://dfr.oregon.gov/Documents/HIM-5530-HealthPlans-ProviderNetworks.pdf
What to do when your health plan changes:
HIM-5529-What to do when your health network changes
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Honoring Black History Month
This Black History Month, we were proud to testify in support of Senate Bill 450, which establishes November 14 to be Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day. Senate Bill 450 honors Ruby Bridges' bravery and strength as the first African American student to attend a previously known as "all-white" elementary school. By celebrating this day each year, students across Oregon will honor the legacy she has created within our nation and inspire future generations to come. We appreciate the bipartisan support throughout the journey of this bill, especially as we move forward with this legislation.
To learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk-to-School Day, see here.
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YOUR Local Bills
Have you been wondering which bills proposed by Senator Patterson are exclusive to the district-10 community? Below is a list of district-10 related bills, proposed by Senator Patterson this session. Stay tuned for updates and more information on how these will continue to go through the legislative process this session.
Reducing the Amount of Plastic in our Environments
It is critical that we protect our water from the increasing amounts of microplastics, and a washing machine filter, which would add about $2 a year to the cost of a new washing machine, is one important way to reduce that pollution. Click here to read more about the proposed bills that will promote the reduction of plastics and pollutions in our environments.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1710
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, S-411, Salem, OR, 97301
Email: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/patterson
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