Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, assembled an advisory group to address Medicaid sustainability, according to a draft charter document obtained by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Representatives from the Oregon Health Authority, CareOregon, Health Share of Oregon, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals of the Northwest, AllCare Health, and Delta Dental of Oregon were among the participants. These organizations supply Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and other health or supplemental plans across the state.
“The advisory group is charged with providing advice to the governor through recommendations on how to best … sustain Oregon’s Medicaid program out into the future and how to maintain access to health care services for the [Oregon Health Plan] population,” the document said.
The group is focusing on provisions for 2027 and beyond. November marked the first month of meetings, which will occur every two weeks.
The uninsured population in Oregon is estimated to increase by 72% following a Medicaid expansion reversal. The state would also need to pay 33.1% more to compensate for the pullback in federal funding.
“We are not immune to national trends. Our Medicaid program is facing a number [of] short and longer-term challenges,” the document continued. “Health care costs are rising, many providers are struggling to keep their doors open and access to care challenges exist throughout the state, regardless of one’s insurance.”
