Oregon Senate extends taxes to fund Medicaid program

The Oregon Senate has approved House Bill 2010, which extends taxes on hospitals and health insurers to secure federal funding for the state's Medicaid program. The bill passed with a vote of 22-5 and now awaits the governor's signature. The new law extends a 2% tax on health insurance plans and a 6% tax on hospitals' net revenue through 2032. These taxes are expected to raise $2.1 billion to support the Oregon Health Plan, which covers 1.4 million residents. Supporters argue the taxes are essential for maintaining Medicaid funding, while opponents call for a review of the tax structure to avoid burdening smaller employers. The bill comes amid potential federal budget cuts that could affect Medicaid funding.