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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 4, 2012)
Page 8 The INDEPENDENT, April 4, 2012 Oregon’s Health CO-OP will be a consumer operated health plan . Have you ever thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if I had a say in what my health insur- ance company looked like?” Now, Oregonians have the op- portunity to help shape a con- sumer-based health CO-OP designed specifically for their needs and operated with mem- ber control. On March 23, 2012, the De- partment of Health and Human Services notified Oregon’s Health CO-OP that it would be awarded the necessary funding to finance a new heath plan, approximately $50 million in loans over the next several years. Unlike a “typical” health insurer this new entity will be a Consumer Oriented and Oper- ated Plan. In 2014 when the Oregon Health Insurance Ex- change opens, Oregon’s Health CO-OP will offer health insurance that puts the mem- ber first, and will be open to any eligible Oregonian wishing to join. Oregon’s Health CO-OP (in- corporated as Community Care of Oregon) will be a not-for- profit insurance entity, with a member-majority operational board. The formational board in- cludes Ed Blackburn, executive director of Central City Con- cern, a non-profit agency serv- ing people experiencing home- lessness, poverty or addiction; Brian Rohter, co-founder of New Seasons; and Cory Streisinger, former head of the Oregon Department of Con- sumer and Business Services and Oregon Insurance Com- missioner. By 2016 this forma- tional board will be replaced by a member-elected operational board and the CO-OP will be a member-majority governed health insurer. “This needs to be a uniquely Oregonian health plan that serves our communities and is Studded tires can stay on until Apr. 10 Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has ex- tended the studded tire season through Monday, April 9. Statewide weather forecasts call for continued difficult driv- ing conditions in snow zones during the first week in April. Motorists should have their 503-901-1705 studded tires removed from their vehicles by 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10. ODOT en- courages drivers to not wait un- til the deadline if they aren’t driving in snowy conditions. ODOT encourages drivers to consider other types of trac- tion tires or chains. A study completed in 2000 concluded studded tires cause at least $40 million damage each year on city streets, county roads and state highways. Other types of traction tires are avail- able. These traction tires meet Rubber Manufacturers Associ- ation standards for use in se- vere snow conditions and carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall showing a three- peaked mountain and snow- flake. Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires when used on bare pavement. State Farm ® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Bunny Girt, Agent 1229 N. Adair PO Box 543 Cornelius, OR 97113-0543 Bus 503-357-3131 Fax 503-357-9667 bunny.girt.b71g@statefarm.com governed by real people who use the services it offers,” says Rohter. “We want to offer Oregoni- ans a new option – one that puts the members in control, and engages them in promot- ing their own health and well- being,” says Streisinger. Oregon’s Health CO-OP board has convened an Advi- sory Committee that includes individuals and leaders from membership organizations rep- resenting over 300,000 Orego- nians – from small business to labor, from philanthropic foun- dations to patient advocacy groups. The CO-OP will host a series of community forums where motivated individuals will be encouraged to partici- pate in the process of creating this new membership organiza- tion. “Our hope is to enlist as many interested and motivated Oregonians as possible in the creation process,” says Black- burn. “Anyone interested in learning more about it can go to the website at www.OR HealthCO-OP.org.” “This is a landmark opportu- nity for Oregonians,” says Su- san King, executive director of the Oregon Nurses Associa- tion, who attended a recent meeting of community advi- sors. “The new CO-OP is to health insurance, what credit unions are to banks. It’s a chance to take charge and help shape your own future. I’m looking forward to seeing broad community involvement as the CO-OP develops and grows.” The CO-OP intends to oper- ate statewide. Membership will be open to all individuals and small businesses in the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange, and eventually may attract membership from large groups. Oregon’s Health CO-OP also hopes to serve former Medic- aid recipients who lose their coverage as their incomes or circumstances change. CareOregon assisted the board in the loan application submitted to the federal gov- ernment in October 2011. Ac- cording to David E. Ford, CEO of CareOregon, “We know there is consumer demand for something new and innovative that centers on greater con- sumer direction, engagement and transparency.” The Affordable Care Act set aside $3.3 billion in federal loans as start-up money for CO-OPs. Congress was re- sponding to the public demand for a more responsive and con- sumer-centered insurance product. The new CO-OPs are intended to launch in every state with the opening of insur- ance exchanges in 2014. Free child safety seat event in Rainier Columbia County Safe Kids will be holding a child safety seat check-up event on Thurs- day, April 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The free event will be held in Rainier at the CCRider Tran- sit Center, 207 W “B” Street. A certified technician will check to be sure your child has the right seat and that it is installed cor- rectly. They will also check for recalled or expired seats. Through a grant funded by ACTS Oregon, Columbia County Safe Kids can provide low-cost child safety seats to families in need. Child safety seats and safe- ty belts, when installed and used properly, can prevent in- juries and save lives. Young children restrained in child safety seats have an 80 per- cent lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unre- strained. The mission of Columbia County Safe Kids is to reduce Action Ads INEXPENSIVE – EFFECTIVE 503-429-9410 unintentional childhood injuries and deaths. For more informa- tion, please contact the Com- mission on Children and Fami- lies at 503-397-7211. For infor- mation about the clinic or the Columbia County child safety seat program, please contact Natalie at 503-410-3169. Columbia County Domestic Abuse Mental Health 800-294-5211 ----------------- Suicide Hotline Hotline 1-800- 784-2433 or 1-800-273- TALK(8255) 503-397-6161 or 866-397-6161 ----------------- Military Helpline 888-HLP-4-VET (888-457-4838)