Kitzhaber pushes a health care cure

Kitzhaber pushes a health care cure: "Kitzhaber pushes a health care cure
Reform - The ex-governor envisions a sweeping new approach to the ailing system
FACTBOX

• Gubernatorial candidates weigh in
Sunday, January 08, 2006
HARRY ESTEVE

All Oregonians would receive at least basic health care coverage under a sweeping reform plan spearheaded by former Gov. John Kitzhaber, who says he may try for a ballot measure or run for his old seat again to help push his ideas.

In the most detailed description of his proposals yet, Kitzhaber told The Oregonian he wants the state to press the federal government for waivers on the use of billions of dollars from Medicare, Medicaid and employer tax breaks to pay for a radically revamped health care system.

He said he expects action by Oregon would provoke a national debate on the rapidly rising cost of health care, which is cutting deeply into state budgets, taking money away from schools, stifling business growth, and leaving millions of Americans without coverage and exposed to debilitating medical problems."