The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is advocating for legislative changes to Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) reflective of the work of the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) over the last year. During this time, the OHPB crafted significant policy recommendations to change the current CCO structure to create an updated delivery system through CCO 2.0. OHPB work moved forward with a directive by Governor Kate Brown to: 1. Improve the behavioral health system; 2. Increase value and pay for performance; 3. Focus on social determinants of health and health equity; and 4. Maintain sustainable cost growth. A summary of the policy recommendations of OHPB can be found here.
HB 2267 was introduced as a placeholder bill to make significant legislative changes reflective of the policy recommendations from OHPB in advance of the new CCO contracts. Requests for Applications (RFA) were released by OHA in February of 2019.
A ‘gut and stuff’ amendment to the bill seeks to address: reinsurance, engagement between CCOs and tribes, and expanded role of consumers on CCO consumer advisory councils. Most notable to Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) the amendment will create better alignment between local public health planning efforts and the work of CCOs. Specifically, the amendment will require a community health assessment and adoption of a community health plan created collaboratively by CCOs, local public health authorities, and hospitals within the CCO region. The amendment directs OHA to develop rules for plans and provide guidance and align timelines.
The bill is scheduled for a work session in the House Committee on Health Care on April 4, and is anticipated to move out of committee to the House floor.
AOC will continue to engage on this bill and advocate for policy that integrates strategy and improves public health.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate