DEBBIE, CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OWNER

Debbie Kitchin and her husband Jim have owned a small construction company, Interworks LLC, for almost 18 years now. A lot has changed since they first went into business, including the cost of health insurance.

Every year, the price of their basic plan goes up — sometimes by as much as 20 percent. And the more rates rise, the more Debbie and Jim have to scale back on the benefits they can offer their staff. “It’s frustrating,” she admitted. “Health insurance is now the biggest line item in the cost of running our business.”

Debbie understands that there’s no quick fix to the problem, but she believes Cover Oregon is an important step in the right direction. “By offering better health care choices, we can attract better people and be more competitive in the marketplace. All those things contribute to a healthier Oregon.”