Bend residents weigh in on push for universal health care in Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Health care reform took center stage at Trinity Episcopal Church this week, where Central Oregon residents gathered for a town hall focused on the future of universal coverage in the state.

The discussion, hosted by Health Care for All Oregon, comes as lawmakers and advocates explore ways to make care more affordable, accessible and timely. The issue carries significant weight nationwide, with U.S. health care spending reaching nearly $5.6 trillion as of 2025.

Attendees heard from members of the Universal Health Plan Governance Board, which is studying potential pathways to create a statewide system aimed at reducing costs while improving access.

Nick Campbell, chair of the Central Oregon chapter of Health Care for All Oregon, said the state is on the verge of potentially groundbreaking changes.

“Oregon is in the process of developing what will be historic legislation on health care here in the state and would be major news on the national level as well,” Campbell said. “Oregon is very unique on this issue. We've been a leader in health care for decades now since launching OHIP in the 1990s.”

The organization has been working toward universal health care legislation since 2019. Momentum increased in 2023 after voters approved a constitutional amendment declaring access to affordable health care a right.

Still, the proposal faces a long road before it could become reality.

“I think it's good for the economy,” said Bend resident Margy Lim. “It's a moral issue. Just because you don't have money doesn't mean you shouldn't have care.”

Another attendee, Greg Gisi of Bend, said the event helped clarify the complexity of the effort.

“I learned a lot, actually,” Gisi said. “It's a long, complicated road, and I want to help make this happen any way I can.”

Organizers say several steps remain before any plan is implemented, including legislative approval and funding decisions. The group hopes to see a system in place by 2032.