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Oregon's Health Care Overhaul: Changes Spark Controversy

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oregon lawmakers are advancing House Bill 4040, a health care overhaul.
The bill would raise the hospital charity care threshold from $500 to $1,500, a change advocates say could harm low-income patients.
It would allow the Oregon Health Authority to enroll Medicaid-eligible individuals before jail release to prevent gaps in care.
The bill also includes protections for anesthesia payments, prompt payment rules for dental insurers, and psilocybin therapy access.

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Story summary

Oregon lawmakers are advancing House Bill 4040, a health care overhaul.
The bill would raise the hospital charity care threshold from $500 to $1,500, a change advocates say could harm low-income patients.
It would allow the Oregon Health Authority to enroll Medicaid-eligible individuals before jail release to prevent gaps in care.
The bill also includes protections for anesthesia payments, prompt payment rules for dental insurers, and psilocybin therapy access.