In this issue:

• New study defines gap in statewide behavioral health treatment beds
• Help the Red Cross during national blood crisis
• Readers share what inspires them to be healthy
• Measure 110 funding expands peer support for substance use disorder treatment in eastern Oregon
• Latest data show Oregon leads in keeping people covered
• Q & A
• OHA's COVID-19 resources

Oregon Trauma System Area Map

New study defines gap in statewide behavioral health treatment beds

Oregon needs nearly 3,000 adult residential mental health and substance use treatment beds to close gaps in today’s system of care and meet the state’s future demand for treatment, according to a new report released today.

Closing this gap would represent more than a 70% increase above Oregon’s current treatment capacity. According to the report, it would take more than $500 million over five years or more to close this gap.

This is based on results from a new preliminary study that Governor Tina Kotek directed OHA to commission last year. It was produced by the Public Consulting Group (PCG), a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that has produced similar studies in Washington and other states.

“Too many Oregonians are struggling to get the help they need for a mental health or addiction challenge, and the state needs to lead with a strategic approach to addressing these gaps in health care,” said Governor Kotek.

Help the Red Cross during national blood crisis

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage because it has experienced the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Blood donations are critical to helping prevent delays in vital medical treatments. There are three big things you can do to help: Make an appointment today to donate blood, platelets or plasma. Recruit friends to donate. Volunteer at a blood drive. Search here using your ZIP code to find a blood drive near you. You can also use the Red Cross Blood Donor app, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). And thank you!

Readers share what inspires them to be healthy

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Measure 110 funding expands peer support for substance use disorder treatment in eastern Oregon

New Directions Northwest, a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider in Baker City, has grown its peer support program with funding from Measure 110. David Fry, the program manager for Outpatient Drug & Alcohol at New Directions, said the impact of Measure 110 funding has been a “night and day change.” New Directions is connecting with people who may have never sought treatment and helping them in ways the organization did not have capacity to before, Fry said. Photo: New Directions Northwest’s peer team members (L to R) Mike Counts, Bob Forsyth, Alicia Vowell, and Doug McAlister

Latest data show Oregon leads in keeping people covered

As the state enters the home stretch of reviewing member eligibility for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and other state Medicaid programs, data through December show 85% of members (over a million people) are keeping their benefits. This gives Oregon the second-highest Medicaid renewal rate in the nation as the public health emergency unwinds.

Since the renewal process began earlier this year, nearly 84% of OHP members have completed the process. Most of the remaining renewal letters were sent in January, but a group of over 100,000 renewals are being delayed until later in 2024.

Everyone receiving OHP or other Medicaid-funded services and supports will receive, or has already received, a renewal notice explaining whether they need to provide additional information or take action to keep their coverage. Members losing OHP receive at least 60 days advance notice to explore other coverage options. To learn more about the Marketplace or other options, visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 833-699-6850.

If you’re 65 or older and losing OHP coverage and would like help understanding Medicare options, visit this webpage to learn more and connect with a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA), or call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

Q & A

Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.

Q: If the RSV vaccine is so important for seniors, why is it so expensive ($345)? Why isn't there enough for the doctor's offices to have it? – Julie, Nehalem

A: Julie, there is no shortage of RSV vaccine, but doctor’s offices typically don’t stock it because unlike COVID-19 and flu vaccines, it is only fully covered in-network by Medicare Part D, and doctors don’t bill Part D. If you have Part D it’s best to go to a pharmacy, and if you don’t have a prescription for the RSV vaccine from your doctor, the pharmacist will determine your eligibility based on certain risk factors. Learn more about Medicare coverage of the RSV vaccine here.

Additionally, the RSV vaccine is fully covered under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) at locations that offer the vaccine and accept OHP, and by many private insurance plans at in-network providers and pharmacies. People should always call their insurer in advance to confirm coverage, and they should call the provider or pharmacy to confirm they have the RSV vaccine in stock.

We understand this is confusing, and that paying for the RSV vaccine out-of-pocket can be costly. If you are uninsured or carry Medicare without Part D, you may qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and we recommend applying either online or by calling 800-699-9075 (Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Many eligible applicants are approved during the initial phone call and can begin using benefits immediately.

Q: I believe I read that long-term care facilities are not allowed to deny admission to patients if they have COVID. I can’t find the article however. Am I correct? – Anonymous, Salem

A: A patient or resident with an active COVID-19 infection alone is not a sufficient reason for a long-term care facility (LTCF) to deny admission. OHA’s Respiratory Season Guidance For Admissions From Hospitals To Long-Term Care Facilities explains the latest policies for LTCFs including assisted living, residential care and nursing facilities, or other care settings such as adult foster homes.

If you feel you or a loved one is wrongly denied admission to a facility, contact Aging and People with Disabilities – Safety, Oversight, and Quality Unit (SOQ) at 503-373-2227.

If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.

OHA's COVID-19 resources

• FIND A VACCINE
• COVID-19 home page
• News and reports homepage
• Respiratory virus data home page (COVID-19, RSV, flu)
  
• Wastewater surveillance data dashboard (updated every Wednesday)

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