I applaud the many state lawmakers who oppose Measure 118 (“Ballot measure to tax corporations and pay Oregonians $1,600 a year draws bipartisan opposition,” Aug. 13), which would spell disaster for Oregon businesses, including independent medical practices. While non-profit hospitals are excluded from this proposed tax, it broadly applies to other medical entities, including independent oncology practices.
My colleagues and I pride ourselves on providing high-quality care to everyone who walks through our doors, even when we can barely cover the cost of treating many of them. Nearly 70% of our patients are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other government programs, which often don’t fully cover the cost of care.
Despite low payment, higher operating costs and an already challenging state and local tax climate, we have continued to provide convenient, life-saving treatments to our patients. If passed, Measure 118 would push us to the breaking point. While other businesses may pass this tax on to consumers, independent oncologists cannot pass this on to our patients – nor would we want to.
The crushing tax burden of Measure 118 would force independent oncology practices to restrict the number of government-insured patients we see, limit the hiring of new staff, reduce patient support services or even be absorbed by larger hospital systems, which often charge more for care and are less convenient for patients. Nobody wants this worst-case scenario.
I thank Oregon lawmakers for taking a stand against Measure 118 and urge voters to vote “no” in November.
Dr. John Schuler, Tigard
Schuler is a radiation oncologist at Compass Oncology in Tigard
By: Letters to the editor | The Oregonian
View original article: https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2024/08/readers-respond-measure-118-would-crush-medical-practices.html