Salem, OR – A group of Oregon hospital executives, including Salem Health CEO Cheryl Wolfe, is calling on state lawmakers to allocate more funds to the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, to address the rising costs of providing medical care. The request comes as hospitals across the state are grappling with financial pressures that threaten their ability to maintain services.
Wolfe was one of the speakers at a press conference on Wednesday, organized by the Hospital Association of Oregon (HAO), which represents 61 hospitals statewide. The association’s leadership, including President Becky Hultberg, emphasized the need for the legislature to fully fund the Oregon Health Plan, ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide care for low-income residents without financial strain.
“Without a significant increase in Medicaid funding, hospitals will face even more difficulty in providing care, particularly for the most vulnerable populations,” said Hultberg. “This is about ensuring that hospitals can continue to operate and meet the growing needs of their communities.”
A key point raised by the association is the need for an increase in hospital reimbursements for maternity care. Maternity services are often among the most expensive to provide, and underfunding in this area could lead to reduced access for expecting mothers, particularly those relying on Medicaid.
The call for increased funding comes as healthcare costs across the country continue to rise, and hospitals in Oregon are not immune to these challenges. Rising operational costs, including staffing, medical supplies, and facility maintenance, have placed considerable strain on healthcare providers. Without adequate reimbursements, many hospitals are at risk of financial hardship, potentially compromising their ability to provide essential services.
As the Oregon Legislature convenes for its 2025 session, hospital leaders are urging lawmakers to prioritize healthcare funding in their budget decisions. While the state has made strides in expanding healthcare access through the Oregon Health Plan, hospital executives are warning that without adequate investment, the healthcare system may struggle to keep pace with demand and maintain quality care.
The debate over funding is expected to be a key issue in the coming legislative session, as lawmakers weigh the state’s fiscal priorities against the growing needs of the healthcare sector.
“We need to ensure that hospitals remain financially viable and able to provide the care that Oregonians rely on,” Wolfe said. “This isn’t just about funding; it’s about protecting the health of our communities.”
As the situation unfolds, both hospital leaders and lawmakers will likely face difficult decisions regarding the allocation of state funds in the face of competing priorities.
