Oregon is building a universal health care system through a defined public process, with clear roles, timelines, and decision points.
Universal Health Care (UHC) means that every person — regardless of their income, job, or background — has access to the full range of health services they need with minimal financial barriers.
In Oregon, we are working toward a Publicly Financed Single-Payer System. Instead of dozens of plans from many insurance companies, each with different rules, networks, and rates, there would be one single, public fund that pays for everyone's care. You don't lose it if you lose your job, and you don't get a bill when you leave the doctor.
Change jobs, start a business, or leave a difficult situation without losing coverage.
Never choose between paying bills and getting care. No copays, no deductibles, no surprise bills.
See any provider in Oregon without network restrictions or prior authorization.
Equal access across Oregon, with standardized funding to keep rural hospitals open.
An independent body created by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, the board is responsible for designing the universal health care plan. It is separate from HCAO, and reports to the Oregon Legislature.
Health Care for All Oregon is the advocacy coalition that has spent 25 years building support for universal health care in Oregon. We advise and support the board, but we are not designing the plan itself.
In 2023, the Oregon Legislature created an independent board to design a universal health care plan for the state. The board reports to the legislature, and they want to hear from you. The Gov. Board is doing the technical and policy work of designing the actual plan, with a hard deadline and a public mandate.
A multiyear public process guided by community input and Oregon values.
The Governance Board is distinct from and independent of HCAO.
HCAO members have participated in board subcommittees, but the board was created by and reports to the Oregon Legislature.
The Universal Health Plan Governance Board released a draft proposal in March 2026. This document reflects months of community input, technical analysis, and policy design. It is not final.
The board is continuing to make additions and adjustments to the draft proposal based on ongoing public comment and stakeholder feedback. The contents are subject to change prior to the final proposal submitted to the Oregon Legislature in September 2026. You can influence what's in the plan by engaging with the Governance Board.
In 2022, Oregonians voted to pass Ballot Measure 111, becoming the first state to establish health care as a fundamental right in its state constitution. This created a mandate that the state legislature is now obligated to fulfill.
Our state legislature has shown it's willing to take on for-profit entities in health care, most recently with the passage and signing into law of SB 951.
From a 3-year long task force process, to a 3-year long governance board process, which have both deeply researched the issue from all angles, Oregon has done its homework.
Advocates have been pushing for universal health care in Oregon for decades. The most relevant concrete steps began in 2019.
Senate Bill 770 establishes the Joint Task Force on Universal Health Care to research and design a path forward.
Oregon voters pass Ballot Measure 111 (the Hope Amendment), making Oregon the first state to enshrine health care as a constitutional right.
Senate Bill 1089 establishes the board charged with designing a universal health plan for Oregon.
The board is writing the plan, with details on coverage, financing, and system transition. Their work is informed by public input, statewide.
The completed recommendations are due to the Oregon Legislature by September 15, 2026.
Lawmakers may pass the plan into law, but most likely they will refer it to Oregon voters as a ballot measure in 2028.
The milestones below are estimates from the UHPGB and would follow if the plan is approved. Dates are current targets and may change.
A public corporation with its own board of directors is created to run the plan, alongside the Universal Health Plan Trust Fund that would finance it.
The revenue plan is implemented, the system is finalized, and the universal health plan is rolled out to Oregon residents.
Health Care for All Oregon has been advocating for universal health care in Oregon for over 25 years. As the Universal Health Plan Governance Board designs the plan, we're actively participating to ensure it serves all Oregonians.
We track the board's progress and advocate for the best plan for ALL Oregonians.
You don't need HCAO to engage with the board, but if you'd like help knowing what to say, drafting your comments, or connecting with others who share your concerns, we're here to help!
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