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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Group Says Roughly 1 in 10 Oregonians Remains Uninsured

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A group that's lobbying for expanded health coverage said the number of uninsured Oregonians may be higher than previously thought.

The Oregon Health Equity Alliance said as many as 10 percent of the state's residents aren't covered. The group said it used data from a Census Bureau survey to arrive at that figure.

Joseph Santos-Lyons spoke at a state capitol press conference held by the Health Equity Alliance.

"This report recognizes that while having health insurance is no guarantee of actually receiving care, it is a primary driver of good health outcomes,” he said.

The group's estimate of uninsured Oregonians is nearly twice as high as the rate found in a study last year by Oregon Health and Science University.

Santos-Lyons said accessing care is hardest for immigrants, people of color, LGBT people and rural Oregonians.