Oregon Medicaid Expert Warns of Threats to Innovation as Federal Cuts Are Expected

As lawmakers consider changes to the Medicaid budget, Oregon’s Medicaid system is bracing for any potential impact.

Eric C. Hunter, president and CEO of CareOregon, spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive about the state’s innovative programs and the risks posed by uncertain federal funding.

This conversation took place prior to the release of the House GOP’s Medicaid plan, which proposes work requirements, stricter eligibility checks and limits on provider taxes—but does not mention cutting federal match rates or imposing per capita funding caps.

Medicaid depends heavily on federal dollars—while some states have flexibility through waivers, federal funding and match rates remain the foundation of the system, Hunter stressed.

“There’s no doubt that we are closely watching what happen