Oregon governor signs order to counter expected federal Medicaid cuts

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order directing state agencies to protect affordable health coverage as federal changes under H.R. 1, including Medicaid cuts and the end of enhanced subsidies, are expected to make coverage harder to obtain and increase pressure on providers and families beginning in 2027. About 97% of Oregonians are insured, but state officials warn that more than 600,000 people could be affected by new Medicaid work requirements and estimate the federal changes could remove $9.4 billion from Oregon’s health care system by 2031. The order calls for steps to lower costs and stabilize insurance markets, prioritize primary care and prevention, enforce timely payments to providers, reduce clinic paperwork, and lower prescription-drug costs. Kotek’s office says earlier state efforts have reduced individual-market rates, while the new directives include reviews of existing programs and proposals for further action.