U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have raised serious concerns about a looming mental health care crisis in Malheur County, Oregon. In a letter addressed to local health care providers, the senators highlighted the potential loss of vital mental health services for nearly 800 recipients of the Oregon Health Plan. This situation is exacerbated by significant upcoming changes to coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage, driven by substantial cuts to Medicaid funding.
The senators attributed these cuts to what they termed the Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill,” which is set to strip nearly $4 billion in Medicaid funds from rural communities in Oregon. The implications of these cuts are particularly concerning for vulnerable populations in rural areas, where access to mental health and substance use disorder services is already limited.
In their letter, revealed on wyden.senate.gov, Wyden and Merkley expressed their understanding of the difficult position faced by health care organizations. They addressed their correspondence to Ann Ford, CEO of Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., and Sean Jessup, CEO of Eastern Oregon CCO, urging them to “maximize access to a wide range of providers” and ensure continuity of care during this transition.
Concerns for Vulnerable Populations
The senators underscored the critical importance of maintaining mental health services, especially in a region where approximately 80% of the impacted population are children and nearly half identify as Hispanic or Latino. The potential reduction of available providers—from four to just one—raises alarms for community members who rely heavily on these services.
Wyden and Merkley also inquired how Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. plans to manage the transition for patients currently receiving treatment amid these sweeping changes. With many local mental health providers possibly becoming unavailable, the senators seek clarity on the decision-making process behind these network adjustments.
The urgency of their request is palpable, with a deadline set for January 9, 2026. The senators’ correspondence reflects not just a quest for information but a plea for actionable solutions to mitigate the disruptions anticipated for Malheur County residents.
Commitment to Community Health
In their letter, the senators pledged to continue their efforts to repeal the damaging cuts to health care services that affect Malheur County and other communities that depend on the Oregon Health Plan. They expressed a commitment to advocating for constituents facing significant challenges in navigating a health care system already strained by policy changes.
As the situation develops, community leaders and residents await responses that could clarify the future of mental health services in the region. The stakes are high, as the continuity of care is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of a community that relies on the Oregon Health Plan to address its diverse health care needs. The outcome of this situation will likely shape the mental health landscape in Malheur County for years to come.
