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Universal Health Care Advocates Say Insurance Expansion Isn’t Enough

Virginia Alvino
/
Northwest News Network

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon is working to expand medical coverage under the federal health care overhaul. But advocates of universal health care say it doesn’t go far enough. They rallied on the steps of the state capitol in Salem Monday -- the first day of work for the 2013 legislative session.

Among the rally's speakers was Wes Brain from southern Oregon. He said he has had cancer, and his daughter died of Leukemia four years ago. He believes there were unnecessary barriers for her treatment.

“We know as Oregonians that we can change things for the better and take back health care," Brain says. "We know that don't we.”

Democratic representative Michael Dembrow has re-introduced the affordable Health Care for All Oregon Act this session. It would cover all Oregon residents. It’s unclear how much support his proposal has in the legislature.