Oregon's residents to vote on universal health care

The US state of Oregon is moving closer to providing an all expenses paid, “universal” healthcare coverage for all its residents. Residents are due to vote on the issue—known both as “Measure 23” and “Health Care for All”—during the elections on 5 November.

The measure is controversial, however, as it would be financed largely by increases in payroll and personal income taxes. If the law is passed, Oregon would become the first state in the United States to grant its citizens comprehensive health care (what Americans call “socialised medicine”).

Currently, about 423 000 of Oregon's 3.3 million people lack health insurance, and about 70 000 of these are children. Nationally, 41 million (of 270.3 million) Americans are uninsured. The United States spends $4700 (£3000; £4760) per capita a year on health care yet is …