Oregon Health Co-op announces new partnership to improve services

Oregon Health CO-OP has announced a new partnership with other providers to improve products and services for members. It was set up in 2012 under the Affordable Care Act...

Oregon Health CO-OP has announced a new partnership with other providers to improve products and services for members. It was set up in 2012 under the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) as a consumer-oriented and operated healthcare plan (CO-OP). It is fully operated and controlled by members, which also make up 51% of its board members.

The agreement will enable the CO-OP to provide an insurance product that features an integrated network of providers across the Portland and Salem areas. The new population health partnership includes Oregon Health and Science University, Salem Health, Tuality Health and Adventist Health System. The organisations intend to share in the financial performance of the product, co-ordinate care and share accountability for costs and care.

Obama changes governance rules for healthcare CO-OPs 

Last year Oregon Health and Science University, Salem Health and Tuality formed OHSU Partners as a joint management company. The organisations are still governed by their boards of directors, but operate as an integrated system that manages clinical services.

“The letter of intention is one example of how these OHSU Partners are working with others to deliver greater value to Oregonians,” said Peter Rapp, chief executive for OHSU Partners.

Phil Jackson, chief executive of Oregon Health Co-op.
Phil Jackson, chief executive of Oregon Health CO-OP.

Phil Jackson, chief executive of Oregon Health CO-OP, added: “The planned partnership will expand the number of delivery system partners with a commitment and shared accountability for improvements in cost, quality and service for our members. Our growth and stability is now enabling us to create innovative programs and meaningful partnerships to serve our growing member community.”

The CO-OP has already been working with Tuality Health Alliance and Adventist Health System, who are providers serving its SELECT Network. Through the network Oregon Health CO-OP grants access for its members to all providers and services of Adventist Healthcare System and Tuality Healthcare Alliance. Members also have limited use of OHSU for highly specialised care that is not available through these healthcare systems. From January 2017, the SELECT Network will be expanded to include unlimited access to OHSU. The CO-OP will also be able to extend services to Marion and Polk county residents by working with Salem Health and its affiliated provider partners.

The product will be available on Oregon’s health insurance exchange for individuals and small groups directly from Oregon’s Health CO-OP.

“This is a great example of how OHSU continues to work across many aspects of the healthcare system to deliver improved outcomes, access and value,” said Mark Richardson, an OHSU executive vice president, dean of OHSU’s School of Medicine and president of its Faculty Practice Plan.

“Salem Health is pleased to be part of this new agreement,” said Cheryl Wolfe, president and chief executive of Salem Health. “Broadening Salem Health’s successful collaborative partnerships will benefit people in our community.”

In this article


Join the Conversation