28-02-2025
House passes bill to save Oregon Health Plan if Congress kills Medicaid funding
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As the future of federally funded programs like Medicaid , Oregon lawmakers are working to preserve healthcare coverage for its residents.
On Thursday, the Oregon House of Representatives passed HB 2010, a bipartisan bill that would ensure ongoing funding for the state's Medicaid program known commonly as the .
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The state program is currently funded by a combination of state resources that are matched by federal dollars. But as , HB 2010 would cushion OHP in case federal officials double down on the decision.
House Speaker Julie Fahey said one out of every three Oregonians rely on OHP for their health coverage.
'HB 2010 will help ensure that those Oregonians continue to have access to care and that our hospitals and providers have the resources they need to serve all Oregonians,' Fahey said. 'Regardless of whether Congress cuts Medicaid funding this year, passing HB 2010 is the surest way to position us to accomplish those goals.'
According to state records, OHP covers 1.4 million Oregonians — including 57% of the state's children. The program also protects healthcare coverage for people of color, who make up 42% of its demographic.
'That means thousands of parents, regardless of their income, have access to vital services like regular check-ups, ultrasounds, screenings for complications, nutritional counseling, and maternity services at many of our community hospitals,' Rep. Andrea Valderrama said.
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The bill passed the Oregon House with a 40-15 vote, allowing it to advance to the Senate. If approved there, it will head to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk for her to sign.
By making it through the Oregon legislature, HB 2010 would ensure program coverage by extending the state's insurance and hospital assessments through 2032.
'While Congress debates cuts to Medicaid, Oregon is standing strong to protect OHP,' Rep. Lesly Muñoz said. 'Our state has led the way in making Medicaid work efficiently, ensuring healthcare access for 1.4 million people. Oregon won't back down when it comes to healthcare.'
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