U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are raising alarms about a potential mental health care crisis affecting nearly 800 recipients of the Oregon Health Plan in Malheur County. In a letter directed to local health care providers, the senators expressed serious concerns regarding new coverage changes associated with coordinated care organizations (CCOs) that could significantly reduce access to vital mental health services.
The senators’ letter highlights the impact of substantial cuts to Medicaid, which they attribute to the legislation known as the Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill. These cuts could result in nearly $4 billion being stripped from rural communities across Oregon, exacerbating existing challenges in mental health care provision.
Addressing the leaders of Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. and Eastern Oregon CCO, the senators acknowledged the difficulties faced by these organizations. They urged them to maximize access to a broad range of providers and ensure continuity of care for patients transitioning between services. The situation is particularly dire in Malheur County, where nearly 80% of those affected are children and almost half of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
The senators specifically questioned how Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. would manage the transition for patients currently receiving treatment amidst the proposed network changes. Concerns were raised about the drastic reduction in the number of available providers, which could shrink from four to just one, leaving many residents without local support.
The letter also underscores the urgency of the situation, with a deadline for responses set for January 9, 2026. Wyden and Merkley emphasized their commitment to advocating for the needs of their constituents, particularly those facing significant barriers in accessing mental health services.
“We will keep fighting to repeal these devastating cuts to health care for Malheur County and the countless other communities for which the Oregon Health Plan is a lifeline,” they stated in their correspondence.
As the community awaits responses from health care providers, the stakes are high. The potential disruption in mental health services poses not just a risk to individual care, but also threatens the overall wellbeing of a community that relies heavily on the Oregon Health Plan to meet its diverse health care needs. The senators’ call for clarity and actionable plans reflects the pressing urgency of safeguarding essential mental health services in Malheur County.
