Did you know the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) was created in 2009? I did not.

Since then, the OHA has become the cornerstone of the state’s efforts to improve health outcomes, increase access to care, and attempt to control healthcare costs for all Oregonians.

The OHA’s roots trace back to 1993 when Oregon launched the groundbreaking Oregon Health Plan (OHP). This initiative, spearheaded by emergency room doctor John Kitzhaber (later Oregon’s governor) and Dr. Ralph Crawshaw, aimed to make healthcare more accessible to the working poor while implementing a novel approach to benefit rationing. The plan received federal approval in 1993, marking Oregon as a pioneer in health care reform.

In 2009, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2009, creating the OHA as a separate entity from the Department of Human Services. This move consolidated most of the state’s health-related programs under one roof, streamlining operations and enhancing coordination.

Today, the OHA oversees a wide array of health-related programs, including:

  1. Medicaid – The agency administers the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), the state’s Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to eligible low-income residents.
  2. Public health initiatives – OHA coordinates with local authorities to implement federally-supported public health programs.
  3. Mental health and substance use programs – Through partnerships with local mental health authorities and community organizations, the OHA works to deliver behavioral health services.
  4. Health policy development – The agency plays a crucial role in shaping health care policies and providing market oversight.

The OHA also continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of Oregonians.  Some examples include:

  • In 2023, the Healthier Oregon Program extended OHP benefits to eligible individuals regardless of immigration status.
  • A 2025 bill secured billions in federal Medicaid funding by extending two healthcare taxes through 2032.
  • Oregon implemented a unique health care market oversight program, giving the OHA authority to review and potentially block certain healthcare mergers and acquisitions.

Quick links for OHA resources: