Oregon Governor issues EO to protect health care access

Last week, Gov. Tina Kotek (D) issued a wide-ranging Executive Order (EO) directing state agencies to take immediate action to protect access to affordable, high-quality health care in Oregon. The EO aims to safeguard Oregonians from potential federal reductions in Medicaid funding and the loss of enhanced premium tax credit subsidies.

Key provisions require state agencies to explore reinsurance programs for the individual and small group markets, reduce administrative burdens on primary care providers, ensure that at least 12% of health insurer spending is directed toward primary care services, and identify more effective approaches to purchasing and delivering prescription drugs. Government Affairs expects the prescription drug provision to lead to legislative proposals establishing a state-mandated Medicaid formulary and a single statewide PBM that would contract with all Medicaid MCOs.