SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A panel of health care experts is recommending an overhaul of the Oregon Health Plan aimed at rewarding doctors for preventing illness and keeping people out of the hospital.
The panel sent its proposal to the Legislature this week after two months of meetings. Gov. John Kitzhaber convened it to save money and coordinate patient care in the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program.
The panel called for new regional non-profits called coordinated care organizations. They would get the state and federal funding for Medicaid patients in their area and coordinate care among doctors, dentists and other providers.
The organizations would work with the patients with chronic illnesses to ensure they are effectively managing their diseases so they don’t need expensive hospital visits.
