Merkley Warns: Trump’s Bill Poses Risks to Central Oregon’s Healthcare – The Bulletin

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Merkley Warns: Trump’s Bill Poses Risks to Central Oregon’s Healthcare – The Bulletin

Recently, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley from Oregon visited Bend to discuss the impact of President Trump’s proposed health care changes. He warned that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” might have serious consequences for ordinary Americans trying to get health coverage.

Merkley spoke at the Deschutes County Health Services office alongside local health officials. He expressed concern that many Oregonians could lose both state and federal health care coverage. He highlighted the potential closure of rural clinics due to funding cuts, calling the bill a “big ugly betrayal” that prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over health care for families.

The senator pointed out that health insurance premiums could rise dramatically—by an average of 18% by 2026—leading many to drop their coverage entirely. He noted that these changes could increase the number of uninsured Americans by 15 million, including 7 million who currently use the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

In Deschutes County alone, about 12,300 families purchase insurance through these exchanges. Merkley estimated that these families might face an annual increase of $1,300 in their premiums, which he described as a looming shock.

Healthcare professionals, like Holly Harris, interim head of Deschutes County Health Services, echoed these fears. She warned that the impending cuts could lead to lower vaccination rates and worsen mental health issues. Harris emphasized that funding reductions might increase the risk of communicable diseases and complicate efforts to monitor health trends, such as contact tracing.

Mark Hallett, chief clinical officer for St. Charles Health System, added that these funding cuts could delay preventive care, increasing serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. He also expressed concern over “pharmacy deserts,” areas lacking easy access to medications, which could worsen due to budget reductions.

Merkley also discussed the bureaucratic burdens that could emerge from the bill. Under the proposed changes, Oregonians on Medicaid would need to reapply every six months instead of every two years. This, he warned, would complicate access to healthcare, making it easier for people to slip through the cracks and lose their coverage.

The bill includes work requirements for Medicaid recipients aged 19 to 64. They must complete at least 80 hours of work, community service, or education each month to remain eligible. While supporters argue that this targets inefficiencies, Merkley cautioned it might “trap people in poverty,” as some may struggle to work due to health issues but still lose their insurance.

Interestingly, around one-third of Oregonians rely on the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program. Experts estimate that up to 200,000 people in Oregon could lose their insurance due to these cuts and increased red tape, radically affecting their quality of life.

In today’s landscape of healthcare reform, such changes not only influence access but also reflect a broader debate on the role of government in providing essential services. As healthcare costs rise, ongoing discussions will be crucial to balance fiscal responsibility with the health needs of the population.



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