Oregon Lawmakers Urge Protection of Health Plan Amid $2 Billion Federal Cuts Threat

Oregon lawmakers are urging for the protection of healthcare access as the state faces a potential $2 billion funding shortfall impacting the Oregon Health Plan, which serves 1.4 million patients. The Hospital Association of Oregon advocates for the passage of HB 2010-A to stabilize the healthcare system, emphasizing the risk of significant Medicaid funding cuts under the Trump Administration. Concurrently, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are leading efforts against proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, warning that such actions could jeopardize health services for millions, including over 1.1 million Oregonians. They criticized Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its access to sensitive healthcare systems, claiming it poses a threat to national health care policies. The senators' letter highlights the negative implications of funding cuts on hospital operations and patient care. Despite these efforts, the GOP-controlled Congress is considering budget cuts that could deeply affect Medicaid funding.