Author
As the summer winds to a close, Asante’s advocacy team continues working to preserve the financial and operational sustainability of health care in the Rogue Valley.
Federal advocacy
Monumental shifts in the health care landscape are underway as states, health care systems, providers and patients prepare for the impacts of key provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and changes to Medicaid administration.
In addition to Medicaid changes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed significant changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, an important source of funding for safety-net hospitals, that could result in substantial funding reductions for Asante, particularly affecting cancer services.
In the last month, Asante’s Public Affairs team has engaged with our federal delegation on both issues and their impacts on our patients and the sustainability of our health care system.
This has included meeting with Representative Cliff Bentz during the summer recess in Medford and continuing in-person conversations with his staff in Washington, D.C., regarding key issues. Asante’s Public Affairs team has similarly engaged with the teams of Senators Wyden and Merkley, including participating in Senator Wyden’s Medford health care town hall in August.
State and local advocacy
Asante’s Public Affairs team has also continued advocating for the preservation of health care in southern Oregon. Asante participated in a months-long workgroup this summer focused on strengthening independent practices and met with lawmakers in Salem last week to discuss health care sustainability and legislative priorities for 2027.
Asante’s priorities for the upcoming session are as follows:
Other items of note from last week’s Legislative Days included:
- Health care contributions to the economy. A powerful reminder from Department of Administrative Services Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna that health care remains a critical economic engine for the state, providing significant job growth and economic impact while most other sectors of the economy continue to shed jobs.
- Changes to the insurance market. An overview of significant changes in the insurance market and the drivers of recent rate increases, including the loss of enhanced federal premium tax credits, underwriting losses, rapidly rising claims costs, reduced enrollment, fewer consumer options and diminished competition as carriers exit certain markets.
- Medicaid update from OHA. An update from OHA regarding the projected impacts on OHP resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as the next steps the state is taking. Asante representatives are also serving on the Rulemaking Advisory Committee addressing work and activity requirements.
The large-scale challenges at both the state and federal levels have also driven increased engagement locally. The Medford & Jackson County Chamber of Commerce convened its first Health Care Action Team meeting yesterday, chaired by Asante Chief Public Affairs Officer Kristen Roy and composed of policymakers, health care, physician, higher education and business leaders.
Asante is also engaged with members of the Jefferson Regional Health Alliance on the local implementation of Medicaid changes, working on strategies to help minimize impacts on Medicaid beneficiaries and the providers who serve our communities.
Asante will continue engaging with policymakers, partners and community members on health care policy changes at the federal, state and local levels.
