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Oct-19-2009 17:05printcomments

An Oregon Perspective: Creating Jobs Through Health Care Reform

It’s time we get our priorities back in place.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
Courtesy: merkley.senate.gov/

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Over the summer, we heard about the tragic losses many American families have endured as a result of our broken health care system.

There are too many stories of folks who lost a loved one because their insurance didn’t cover a life-saving treatment, or lost their homes because they were socked with huge medical bills.

Health care reform will help end these terrible losses, but it also provides us with something to gain. By lowering costs and increasing choice, we’ll stimulate job growth, restore our economy, and keep wages with working families instead of handing them over to insurance companies.

Just last month, I spoke with a small business owner in Medford who told me that rising health care costs were forcing his company to choose between providing health coverage or laying off employees.

Businesses around the country are experiencing the same squeeze, and it means fewer jobs and lower wages for working Americans.

In the last decade, health care premiums for the average Oregon family rose by 101 percent, while median earnings rose by only 23.8 percent.

It’s no coincidence: employers are spending more and more on compensation for their employees, it’s just going towards higher insurance premiums instead of higher wages.

Health costs are not only siphoning away money that could go towards higher wages or new hires, they’re also making our companies less competitive globally.

If you build a car in America, you spend $1,500 on health care benefits. If you build it across the border in Canada, the cost is zero.

Indeed, GM spent more on health care last year than it did on steel. That’s bad for American business and bad for American jobs.

Working families in Oregon can’t afford to sacrifice their jobs and their incomes to the health insurance beast anymore. It’s time we get our priorities back in place.

By improving care, increasing choices, and lowering health costs, we can put our businesses and families in the position to thrive.

There’s still more work to do as health care reform winds its way through the legislative process, but each step that moves a bill closer to President Obama’s desk is a step towards a brighter economic future for Oregon families.




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Engle October 29, 2009 2:31 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel I noticed that you earlier referenced all the fortune 500 companies in regards to your statement that all insurance companies made more profit than 99% of all the others listed. That is incorrect Daniel. I went to the address you put down for a source (www.justice.org), but that is trumped by the Fortune 500 report and literally all reporting authorities dealing with economic data. I would hope that people learn how they have been duped by agenda driven forces. Considering that the main healthcare businesses average a 2.2% profit margin, and that pizza sellers and over 30 other industries have higher profit margins, what is the endgame for those who lie? My observations over time has shown consistently that one can have excellent debates with informed people, even when they have polorized perspectives, but when they cannot debate with facts, then here comes the name-calling. You see that behavior in kids at an early age, some never out grow that behavior. Very unhappy people who fail to learn by accepting that they are in error. In regards to some info you would like about Mexican real estate, just post your birthdate and I will email you the address and password of a website that you may find very helpful.


Daniel October 28, 2009 7:55 pm (Pacific time)

Steve my source is the American association for justice , www.justice.org. October 6th release .


Steve October 28, 2009 1:25 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel for your education, below is a link to "the" offical Fortune 500 report showing 2008 profit margins for all major industries which you erroneously referred to in regards to healthcare industry profits and how malpractice outfits made profits higher than 99% of Fortune 500 companies. My prayer is that you will find this helpful and learn to appreciate a primary source rather than shooting those nonfactual airballs. A preview example: THE NUMBERS: Health insurers posted a 2.2 percent profit margin last year, placing them 35th of 53 industries on the Fortune 500 list. The latest annual profit margins of a selection of products, services and industries that did better than the healthcare industries: Tupperware Brands, 7.5 percent; Yahoo, 5.9 percent; Hershey, 6.1 percent; Clorox, 8.7 percent; Molson Coors Brewing, 8.1 percent; construction and farm machinery, 5 percent; Yum Brands (think KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), 8.5 percent. Were the Bush years golden ones for health insurers? Not judging by profit margins, profit growth or returns to shareholders. The industry's overall profits grew only 8.8 percent from 2003 to 2008, and its margins year to year, from 2005 forward, never cracked 8 percent. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2009/performers/industries/profits/


Daniel October 27, 2009 1:51 pm (Pacific time)

Engle upon rereading your post you state I am incorrect but you fail to support your argument with any facts . The rest of your post is just name calling , feel good fact-less rah rah and self back patting ! Lets see a little more substance and a little less name calling .


Daniel October 27, 2009 1:17 pm (Pacific time)

Engel and steve a few facts for you . The malpractice insurance companies had higher profits than 99% of all fortune 500 companies . The industry profit was between 5.95% to a whopping 74.8 % , an average of 31.25% profit . As far as HMO's lets look at California as an example . Last year according to the California medical association california HMO's made a 4.3 BILLION dollar profit , plus an additional 6 BILLION went to administration . Thats 10 billion in one state that went to profit and administration not healthcare ! Some administrators receiving a salary as high as one MILLION dollars . According to the congressional budget office tort reform would yield just a 0.5% savings . Engel I also own several pieces of property in Mexico , never had a problem . I am going down to buy more this week , with the weakened peso its a great time to buy . Did they pay their taxes ? Was your friends land properly titled when they purchased it ? Was it under an LLC ? Please give some specific information I am curious thanks .


Steve October 26, 2009 3:02 pm (Pacific time)

Daniel do you have a primary source that shows the average total HMO profit margin? It's less than 5% isn't it? Seems that I read recently that HMO's credit ratings are quite low, so how come you say otherwise? You have some inside info the media doesn't have?


Engle October 26, 2009 2:40 pm (Pacific time)

Actually Daniel you are quite wrong in your assessment about the costs of lawsuits and the "potential" of lawsuits having little impact on escalating medical prices, the latter creating a scenario that promulgates unneeded medical procedures and tests that drive up costs. It's not a simple process that drives up costs as you imply, but that is probably why we have continually growing costs because of obvious ignorance of many people who think they know what's going on. This in turns allows many unscrupulous politicos to snow the uninformed by legislating policies that continue to exacerbate the situation. Our healthcare system is still the best in the world, so those who would like to go get their major surgeries or any other significant diagnostic procedures somewhere else, by all means have at it so it can free up more resources here. As far as land ownership in Mexico I have had considerable experience over the years, but my family has been involved in real estate down there going back to the early 1900's. We have had numerous friends down in the Baja the last few years, below TJ who have had their land pulled out from under them, and to date they have not been able to remedy the situation. Many of my friends, as myself, have been reducing our exposure to any severe losses, though we will be in for some losses in due time. We have several family members who are Mexican nationals so we are getting creative with property ownership here in the states and in Mexico. Many people go south of the border and have a wonderful time, I always have, but if you don't understand the political dynamics, then be prepared for some changes you might not like. Staying informed in life is a very valuable process to maintain Daniel. Good luck.


Daniel October 25, 2009 3:10 pm (Pacific time)

If all medical lawsuits were caped the saving would be less than one half of one percent savings ! Thats does not count the patients who would have to go into a public program because the settlement did not cover there life time medical problems caused by malpractice ! The problem its called HMO"s and profit taking on the backs of the sick ! Bill do you work for an HMO or an insurance company ? Do you make a buck off the sick ? Bill you know little about healthcare and less about land ownership in mexico and even less about compassion ! You are just full of disinformation .


Bill October 25, 2009 9:02 am (Pacific time)

Daniel and Vic: You point out below the low cost of healthcare in Mexico compared to here in the states, that is apples and oranges guys. Look at the overhead related costs and you can quickly see why the big difference exists. I remember the time long ago when medicals costs were reasonably lower here (in adjusted dollars) plus the service was much better. So what caused it to get into the condition it is in now. Some like too say greed, but that's how simpletons approach analysis. It was the tax/spender mob and the greedy far left lawyers like Edwards. If they botch a medical procedure in Mexico, what's the legal recourse even for a Mexican national? Forget about a foreigner's chances of recoveing damages. Kind of like us owning property there, they can just move you out from a lease or any other contract you may have.


Daniel October 20, 2009 5:59 pm (Pacific time)

Vic Jeff merkley is the junior senator from oregon , not the controlling deity . I think this recently elected official has shone himself to be head and shoulders above his predecessor Smith . Follow his actions over the next few years and then give an evaluation of his performance . My experience with the medical and dental services in mexico are all positive , from the small clinics in little towns to the ultra modern and clean facilities in Mexico City . The Doctors and nurses were totally professional and more compassionate then some of there USA counterparts I have dealt with over the years . To be sure there are some bad doctors and hospitals in mexico as in this country . The big difference in Mexico is cost , for the procedures and hospital services , all a small fraction of what people pay here . In Mexico you still can find Doctors who make house calls , for 25 bucks , kind of like in the states in the 1950s . The USA has great dentist , but a lot of families can not afford them and go wanting , suffering in silence .


October 20, 2009 1:24 pm (Pacific time)

HEADS UP SALEM-NEWS.COM: The two investigative reporters below should receive Pulitzers for what they have done for taxpayers. We know that fraud is what got Franken, the Washington state governor and many others elected, so you will most likely continue to ignore the below. Had it not been for FOX then congress would have never defunded ACORN for the fiscal year which ends shortly. The other networks (and other media except Salem-News) were eventually compelled to report it. The Whitehouse is now doing it's Alinksky's best to demonize FOX, won't work. Even now many democrats are preparing to fund them again. How can you on the left ignore such criminal behavior? "Big Government Productions Presents Next Chapter in ACORN Sting
Breitbart ^ | Oct 19 | Big Government Productions
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Andrew Breitbart's Big Government will hold a press conference featuring James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles, the two daring young journalists who, posing as a "pimp" and "prostitute," exposed massive corruption within ACORN's offices throughout the country. The Press Conference will be held at the National Press Club of Washington, DC on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. After suing Breitbart.com, Mr. O'Keefe and Ms. Giles in Maryland over the release of the Baltimore tapes, ACORN has issued public statements denying any wrongdoing in its Philadelphia office and lying about what happened there. Mr. O'Keefe and Ms. Giles are now prepared to respond. According to Mr. Breitbart, "ACORN representatives claim James and Hannah were kicked out of Philadelphia. They also said publicly that unlike Baltimore, Washington D.C., Brooklyn, San Bernardino and San Diego, James and Hannah never even mentioned prostitution before they were told to leave. James and Hannah will be joining me to set the record straight. After Wednesday, everyone will know what really happened in Philly." Reps Steve King (R-IA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), leaders in the congressional fight to defund ACORN will be also be in attendance to offer brief remarks. CONTACT: Sergio Gor (C) 323-828-9606

SOURCE Big Government Productions

Editor: First, what are you talking about with Franken?  I know Al Franken, he loves this country and he travels to the war zones to put on USO Shows, that is where I became acquainted with him.  You are another damned liar aren't you?  The anti-veteran O'Reilly is no source of credibility, pure GOP operative and a disgusting man at that.

We don't follow meaningless news the way Fox does, you know that.  ACORN is small change in the scope of our national problems and the fact that this and the birth certificate are all you guys can come up with, is lame, LAME. 

There are plenty of things to be critical about with this President, but if FOX covers it then it is propaganda and has no credibility anyway.




Vic October 20, 2009 12:41 pm (Pacific time)

I know this much because have seen it firsthand....a LOT of Americans go to Mexico to get their meds because they are 40 to 80 percent cheaper there for the exact same medications. Same thing goes for dental work.. And the "Canadians coming to the US for health care" story is pure BS, unless you factor in COSMETIC surgery. We lived in Nayarit , Mexico in a town of about 8500....There was a very nice and up-to-date "salud' , or health clinic there...and treatment was free. There also was a hospital there and a hospital stay...for ANY reason, was 150 pesos...about $12 US. This was the same deal offered to us illegal gringos, even though we were not "citizens". The insurance companies and their bought-and-paid-for politicians are ripping us off. Funny how every other industrialized nation on the face of the Earth provides health care for their citizens, but we have more important things to spend our money on..bombs, WMDs, drones armed with Hellfire missiles, nuclear weapons, napalm, white phosphorus shells, chemical weapons, attack submarines,long range bombers....you know, all the things that make America great. Spare us your crocodile tears, Merkley...or be a man, and refuse to accept the best health care coverage in the world until the people that pay for it have the same. Otherwise you are nothing more than one more self-serving, egomaniacal politician/crook. Id bet the farm on the latter.


Grant C October 20, 2009 10:07 am (Pacific time)

Anonymous: Why do "so many" Canadians come to the US for care? They don't. That's a myth spread by the insurance lobby and periodically reinforced when they find any one Canadian doing so, almost always for some elective procedure they just didn't want to wait for, and promptly shine a spotlight on them and act like they're the poster child of Canadian health care or somehing. Last time it was actually studied the number found to be crossing the border for care was so small it was damn near statistically immeasurable. Try googling "Phantoms in the snow".

Have I noticed the originator of Canada's health insurance program calling for more privatization? Ummm, no. No I haven't. Because he died in 1986 you moron.

What about surgery cancellations? Ummm, what about them? You think surgeries don't get cancelled in the US? I mean, seriously? And I suppose it's better just to not ever be scheduled for the surgery at all... EVER? Because you can't possibly afford it? Like happens here in the US on a daily basis?

Etc... kindly get a clue before putting your fingers to your keyboard again.


Vic October 20, 2009 8:58 am (Pacific time)

Mr Merkley...how about you enlighten us about YOUR health care...that us peons pay for? Can we expect that kind of care? Or are you just another elitist, tossing a few crumbs to us dogs...How about it, King Merkley...tell us the details about the health insurance you enjoy free of charge. Tell us when we get the same...


Anonymous October 20, 2009 8:35 am (Pacific time)

Daniel Johnson how come so many Canadians come to the U.S. for health care? Have you noticed that the original creator of Canada's health care program is calling for more private insurance coverage? How about all the recent mass cancellations of surgeries in British Columbia and elsewhere? When it comes to drugs, the majority are created and processed in the U.S., so what contribution does Canada make to offset these costs? Sure they're going to be cheaper there when they are tax subsidized, but it is the free market system in America that creates these drugs. The same free market system that provides a defense umbrella over Canada by us.


Daniel October 20, 2009 12:57 am (Pacific time)

Jeff thank you for the great job you have been doing along with Senator Wyden . You complement and support each other well . I think the state of Oregon can look forward to this winning combination for many years .


"Skipper" Osborne October 19, 2009 11:46 pm (Pacific time)

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley: You are correct that there are too many stories of folks who lost a loved one because their insurance didn’t cover a life-saving treatment, or lost their homes because they were socked with huge medical bills. And people who do not see that health care reform will help end these terrible losses, and lowering the costs and increasing choice, we’ll stimulate job growth, restore our economy, and keep wages with working families instead of handing them over to insurance companies; are stuck in their conservative view points, bought out by insurance companies and they are only concerned with apathy "they have insurance." My wife had a pretty good job, but to insure our two daughters was going to increase her premium from around $400 to $600, and if I was added my wifes' premium was going to be just a little over $800 a month: for approximately 7 years my daughters and I were not on my wifes' health care policy. Thank you U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley for your good work and support of President Obamas' health reform. And thanks again for the tickets to President Obamas' Inauguration, thank you, thank you, thank you!


JimC October 19, 2009 9:22 pm (Pacific time)

"If you build it (car) across the border in Canada, the cost (of health ins) is zero"

Wow, really? Health care is free in Canada? It doesn't come out of taxes?

Sorry, but there's no such thing as "free" when it comes to health insurance and it's wrong to insinuate that. The price is built into car's made there too, it's just not as visible or as easy to pin down.

Health care in Canada is, indeed, not free. But it is considerably less costly than in the US primarily because Canadian health care is not run by the benevolent insurance industry but instead is managed by the evil government, and has been since the 1960s. Now, if Americans can get over their irrational fear of "getting along with other Americans and cooperating" (AKA socialism), American society would become more humane and functional. Daniel Johnson


Anonymous October 19, 2009 7:56 pm (Pacific time)

Senator Jeff Merkley: With regards. I will accept any health care reform, or health care program, as long as you are on the same health care program that you are endorsing for the rest of the country. Is it a deal?

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