Oregon Health Authority Health eNews | Updates from the Oregon Health Policy Board
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FEBRUARY 14, 2013

In this month's edition of Health News from OHA and OHPB:
Oregon Health Policy Board receives report of projected health care coverage after 2014
Oregon Health Policy Board and Early Learning Council teaming up for children
Looking for personalized care? Try a Patient Centered Primary Care Home
In the news

Oregon Health Policy Board receives report of projected health care coverage after 2014

Up to 95 percent of Oregonians potentially could have health care coverage by 2016, whether through their employer, Cover Oregon (our state’s health insurance exchange) or Medicaid, according to an analysis compiled by the Office of Health Policy and Research.

The Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) received information at its February meeting about the financial effect of expanding Medicaid to the more than 240,000 Oregonians who will be eligible. The report was prepared by State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC), Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Health Systems Effectiveness, and Manatt Health Solutions.

Health care coverage for new enrollees would be fully funded by the federal government for the first three years (2014 through 2016). After 2016 the state would contribute a portion, which would cap at 10 percent in 2020.

New federal revenues would bring economic growth to local communities and increase the stability of Oregonians who are today living without health care coverage.

The report also noted the improved health and well-being that comes with having health care coverage. Based on the Oregon Health Study, health care coverage for adults contributes to:

  • A 24 percent increase in individuals rating their overall health as good, very good or excellent;
  • A 16 percent increase in individuals rating their health as stable or improving over past six months;
  • A 12 percent increase in individuals who are not depressed (based on a clinical score);
  • Decreased mortality, particularly among older adults, minorities, and people in rural communities.

The full report can be found on www.health.oregon.gov

Oregon Health Policy Board and Early Learning Council teaming up for children

The Early Learning Council (ELC) and Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) have created a joint subcommittee to help ensure that children in Oregon are healthy and kindergarten-ready. By working together to integrate health care and early learning policies, share resources, and align goals, ELC and OHPB will help children in Oregon get the health care and the education they need to thrive and be healthy.

"The natural connection between education and health care creates huge opportunities to coordinate services and streamline processes in order to make Oregon children healthier and more prepared to learn," said Dana Hargunani, the lead Oregon Health Authority staff member for the ELC-OHPB subcommittee.

The subcommittee, composed of members from both OHPB and ELC, will be responsible for developing strategies, policy proposals, and a timeline that will ensure alignment between health care and early learning. The subcommittee also includes representation from the Department of Human Services to ensure additional alignment and integration across systems. Key areas of focus may include early screening, care coordination, and data and metrics sharing and alignment.

For more information and upcoming meetings, go to the ELC-OHPB committee web page.

Looking for personalized care? Try a Patient Centered Primary Care Home

Amy Morris

Amy Morris wanted more from her health care provider. Even though she's healthy and doesn't need a lot of care, she wanted to be sure that her health care provider was addressing the concerns she had.

"I felt like I wasn't being heard. I wasn't given choices in my care. I didn't feel like an active participant in my own health care. I felt I was in the dark about my health," says Morris, 35, a child and family therapist in Salem.

Then she became a patient at Vida Family Medicine in Salem, a state-recognized Patient-Centered Primary Care Home.

"They know a lot about me. They know my concerns and where I need support. I am feeling better because I know I am getting great care."

To hear all of the ways that Vida Family Medicine is helping improve Amy’s care, and to see other stories like hers, check out the Oregon Health Authority Newsroom.

In the news

Washington Post
Can Oregon save American health care?
The Washington Post tells the story of coordinated care in Oregon and how Oregon can be an example to the rest of the nation.

Gazette-Times (Associated Press)
Kitzhaber: Live State of the Union "remarkable"
Governor Kitzhaber experienced President Obama's State of the Union up close – in the First Lady's personal viewing box. The Associated Press covered the story.

Register-Guard
A mental health challenge
The Register-Guard says it's hard to think of a better use of state funds than preventive mental health services

Virginia Garcia Wellness
The social determinants of health
OHA Director Bruce Goldberg, M.D., took time to guest blog on the social determinants of health for the Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation's Perspectives on Wellness.

Mail Tribune
La Clinica’s school clinics earn recognition
La Clinica’s six school-based health centers have been recognized as patient-centered primary care homes.

OHPB's next meeting

Tuesday, March 5, 2013
8:30 a.m. – noon

Market Square Building
1515 SW 5th Avenue
9th floor
Portland, OR

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