Universal Health Plan Governance Board : June 2026 Meeting Summary

Universal Health Plan Governance Board – June 18, 2026 Summary

Executive Director's Report

The Board received updates on preparation of the final report and future legislative planning.

• Special Board meeting scheduled for July 9 to continue revenue discussions.

• Legislative Decision Package was not accepted by the agency; Senators Patterson and Manning are pursuing legislative funding and a potential 2028 legislative concept.

• Milliman budget analysis completed; Artemis contract concluded.

Expenditure Analysis

Staff presented updated expenditure projections and revenue targets.

• Status quo health spending estimated at $82 billion, excluding dental, vision, and fertility benefits while leaving many Oregonians uninsured.

• Estimated UHP spending would increase to approximately $85.5 billion while covering all residents and adding those benefits.

• Administrative savings and elimination of uncompensated care are expected to make provider revenue more consistent.

Community Engagement:

Deaf and hard-of-hearing focus group met and recommended communication access standards, interpreter workforce development, and hearing-related benefits.

Reserve Funding Strategy

The Board reviewed recommendations for startup financing and reserve requirements.

• Reserve strategy includes startup, ramp-up, and ongoing operational funding.

• Potential funding sources include bonds, state appropriations, and federal funding.

• Finance & Revenue Committee recommended:

  • Three-month operating reserve target

  • One-month trigger for additional recapitalization

• No specific recapitalization mechanism was selected.

• Board discussion focused on balancing financial stability, liquidity, and long-term flexibility.

Revenue Plan

The Board continued refining its revenue proposal.

• Approved adding a 0.2% increase to the state lodging tax, increasing the total state lodging tax from 2.5% to 2.7% beginning in 2026. Vote was 7 - 1.

• Estimated annual revenue: approximately $5 million.

• Legislative Revenue Office will model additional revenue scenarios and recommend tax percentages needed to meet revenue targets.

• Board discussion included whether employers should contribute a greater share of funding.

Implementation Sequencing

The Board discussed three options for transitioning the state to a universal health plan from the status quo:

1) population-phase in, 2) hybrid, and 3) simultaneous transition approaches.

Image of the Transition Options, from the UHPGB June meeting

Key discussion points included:

• Lessons from Vermont suggested a phased implementation is politically practical.

• OR could consider exempting certain populations that would not initially benefit from UHP from paying UHP taxes.

Public comment:

• Pursue legislation to negotiate prescription drug purchasing and pricing.

• Launch a legislative and public information campaign to build support for UHP.

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Questions? Contact emmaoppenheim@hcao.org