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The Cottage Grove

Friday, September 15, 2023

Spending on health care in Oregon soars 40% in eight years, report says By Lynne Terry Oregon Capital Chronicle

TODAY’S EDITION

The cost of health care continues to increase in Oregon, forcing residents to dig into their savings, forgo care and rack up medical debt, according to a state report. The state spent about $31 billion on health care in 2021, according to a study released Thursday by the Oregon Health Authority. That averages out to households spending 22% of their budget on insurance premiums, prescription drugs and over-the-counter items – or nearly $8,000 a year per person. That marks a 40% increase since 2013, when residents spent just over $5,600 a year on health care, the report said. But on a yearly basis, costs only rose 3.5% between 2020 and 2021, close to a state target, the report found. In 2019, the legislature established a program to curb skyrocketing health care costs. As part of that program, which monitors yearly spending and prices and produces reports like this one, officials set a limit on the growth in health care cost at 3.4% a year between 2021 and 2025 and 3% from 2026 to 2030. The report found that rising costs have affected some communities more than others, with those earning the least hit the hardest. It is based on a statewide survey, along with other data. A survey showed that about one-third of Oregonians struggled to pay their medical bills in 2021, with some people racking up credit card debt, diving into savings, borrowing money or not paying for necessities like food, housing, or utilities. And 13% had to deal with a collection agency. The report showed a demographic split among those who used all their savings on medical bills: 18% of Latinos were in that camp along with 16% of Indigenous people, while 9% of white residents depleted their savings. Though Oregon has a relatively high health insurance rate – just over 95% – the study said that an estimated two out of five residents were unObituaries — A2 Opinion — A4 Sports — B1 Classifieds — B4-5

derinsured and that 7% did not have medical care they needed because they couldn’t afford it. “The data clearly show that high healthcare costs lead directly to delayed care,” the Oregon Health Authority said in a release. “Approximately one-third of Oregon adults surveyed said they skipped needed dental care, delayed going to a doctor or avoided care due to costs. One in four adults said they skipped doses of medicine or did not fill a prescription due to the expense.” One of the biggest culprits is the cost of health insurance premiums, which continue to rise. In 2021, a single person paid about $7,400 a year in premiums, the report found, while family plans rose to $20,900 – both rising by about a third since 2013. People who normally would not be affected by rising health care costs earned 138% or less of the federal poverty level in 2021: $17,600 annually for a single person and $36,200 for a family of four. The 138% mark is the maximum income requirement for Medicaid. Known as the Oregon Health Plan, it’s free. Members don’t pay premiums, deductibles, or copayments. But the study found that many low earners struggled to pay their medical bills. It’s not clear why they didn’t sign up for Medicaid. When asked, more than 40% of those without health insurance said they didn’t sign up because they were concerned about the high cost of coverage. Oregon Capital Chronicle focuses on deep and useful reporting on Oregon state government, politics, and policy. We help readers understand how those in government are using their power, what’s happening to taxpayer dollars, and how citizens can stake a bigger role in big decisions. Follow them @OrCapChronicle on Twitter and OrCapChronicle on Facebook or online at: https:// oregoncapitalchronicle. com

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Floodplain Map Revision City staff saves serious cash for local property owners By Cindy Weeldreyer Sentinel Community Reporter

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. - In a David vs. Goliath-like scenario, City Planner Eric Mongan was highly praised at the August 28 City Council meeting for his determined effort to challenge the preliminary Central Lane County flood map created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The proposed map identified 710 structures within the City of Cottage Grove that would be included in the floodplain and protected by a mandated flood insurance policy. In contrast, the current FEMA map only identifies 76 structures. Realizing the huge increase in the number of

“This is really good for our community.” City Planner Eric Morgan ‘optimistic’ after a deep dive into CG’s historical data and photos. (Courtesy Photo) properties included in into data and historical of the water downstream FEMA’s computer mod- photos for the last 100 from the dams would el, Mongan decided to do years of where flooding remain within the river some research to appeal occurred, before and after channels. to the accuracy of the pro- the dams were built. He The last flooding event also asked the U.S. Army was in 1996-97 where posed map. Planning and Develop- Corps of Engineers to sub- there was some limited ment staff did a deep dive mit its data showing most See MAP page 3A

Community unites to protect land from fires By Jennifer Ferraez Row River Fire Response, and Chaplain of the Dorena Grange DORENA, Ore. - Last month, three large fires quickly erupted just east of the towns of Cottage Grove and Dorena, igniting the Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires, and filling the area with thick smoke for days: instilling dread in the hearts of many citizens. Private and public land were at risk, as well as historic structures at Musick Guard Station and Fairview Lookout. On August 30, Northwest Incident Management Team 12 assumed command. This interagency group composed of federal, state, and local

organizations includes the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Department of Interior, and several municipal departments of Oregon and Washington. After the fire situations were assessed, resources were ordered for “Preparedness Level 5,” the highest level of wildland fire activity. This allowed for further federal resources to be called to the scene. Firefighters from all over the country, including Utah, California, and Arizona came to support the effort, totaling 586 personnel. The Dorena Grange offered its space as an Incident Command Center and a generous private landowner on See FIRES page 3A

Chipping at Brice Creek - Firefighters have been chipping at the Brice Creek Fire, with views of the smoke from the lookout on Sept. 9. Smoke coming up from the timber are interior smokes where activity had a slight uptick due to the warming and drying weather conditions. (Photo by MS Murphy)

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U.S. DOE announces design challenge winners, includes Aprovecho

WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and the Alliance for Green Heat, is excited to announce the winning teams for the Wood Heater Design Challenge (WHDC), offering a total of $120,000 in prize funds. Congratulations to Davidon Industries from Warwick, Rhode Island, which won the first-place prize of $40,000 for its ingenuity in developing the next generation of efficient and clean energy wood heater technologies. The judges unanimously agreed that Davidon’s mechanically automated, combustion-air control technology for cordwood heaters demonstrated consistent performance, min-

imal energy input requirements, and a high potential for commercialization. Aprovecho Research Center, from Cottage Grove, Oregon, came in second place and won $25,000 with a novel burn pot, airflow configuration, and sensor package for pellet heaters. Kleiss Engineering from Cloverdale, Indiana, won the $10,000 third-place prize with a smart wood stove heater with advanced control valves, minimal power constraints, and cost-effective manufacturing design. “Embracing innovation allows us to challenge existing norms, push boundaries, and discover new solutions that can reshape the entire industry,” said Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Director of BETO. “Wood stove research is part of DOE’s overall strategy to develop affordable bioenSee DOE page 3A

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