Where We Stand
Section: Oregon Health Plan - Medicaid
Policy: Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

OMA supports the Oregon Health Plan that extends basic health benefits to all uninsured Oregonians whose income is below the federal poverty level. It is based on a system of prioritization of health services from the most important to the least important. Implementation of the program requires waivers from OMA. OMA is on record as supporting the Oregon Health Plan, CMS and the Health Services Commission; being actively involved in its formation, activities and efforts to obtain the necessary waivers.
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 1988.
Revised at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA affirms its support for the implementation and adequate funding of the OHP.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 1991.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA finds that state general funds are the appropriate source of funding for the OHP and urges the Legislative Assembly to appropriate adequate funds to support this important program for the benefit of a particularly vulnerable segment of Oregon's citizens.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 1991.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA will advocate that the Oregon Health Plan philosophy of citizen and physician involvement in the development of national health care priorities. The AMA is urged to advocate this prioritization system as one answer to the dilemma of infinite demand for health services with finite resources.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 1994.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA affirms its support for mental health parity in the Oregon Health Plan.
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 1994.
Revised at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA should urge AMA to explore ways to fund long-term nursing home care for the elderly separate from the rest of the Medicaid program.
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 1995.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.

OMA should participate in all meaningful discussions and forums that would address its concerns regarding the Oregon Health Plan, correct reimbursement inequities, and consider alternative benefit levels to make basic coverage available to all Oregonians.
Adopted at the annual House of Delegates, 2000.
Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.


OMA encourages legislative action that provides the same professional liability protection afforded to physicians at Oregon Health & Science University and their clinics by expanding ORS 30.36-30.30 (Tort Claims Act) to include all Oregon licensed physicians who provide care for individuals enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan or other state aided patients.
Adopted at the interim House of Delegates, 2003.


Providers should work with payers, IPAs and CCOs to encourage reasonable efforts to assure patients will be able to attend their appointments as scheduled.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, January 2014.

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