U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are sounding the alarm over a potential mental health care crisis looming in Malheur County, Oregon. They have sent a letter to key health care providers in the region, expressing grave concerns about the impending loss of essential mental health services that affect nearly 800 recipients of the Oregon Health Plan.
The senators attribute these looming changes to new coordinated care organization (CCO) coverage adjustments, driven by significant cuts to Medicaid funding. They describe these reductions as part of what they refer to as the Republicans’ “Big Ugly Bill,” which could strip nearly $4 billion from rural communities in Oregon, severely impacting vulnerable populations.
In their correspondence, published on wyden.senate.gov, Senators Wyden and Merkley addressed leaders from Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. and Eastern Oregon CCO. They acknowledged the challenging circumstances these organizations face and urged them to “do everything in their power to maximize access to a wide range of providers, ease patient transitions, and ensure continuity of care.”
The senators highlighted the urgent need for mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly in a county where almost 80% of those affected are children and nearly half identify as Hispanic or Latino. With proposed network adjustments that could reduce the number of local mental health providers from four to just one, the senators are concerned about the ramifications for community access to vital care.
In their letter, they seek clarity on how Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. plans to manage the transition for patients currently receiving treatment. The potential disruptions could leave many without local mental health providers, which the senators describe as a serious concern.
The communication also emphasizes the need for a transparent decision-making process regarding network changes. As the deadline for a response approaches on January 9, 2026, Wyden and Merkley are pressing for actionable insights into how health care organizations intend to mitigate the disruptions that may follow these changes.
“We will keep fighting to repeal these devastating cuts to health care for Malheur County and the countless other communities for which the Oregon Health Plan is a lifeline,” the senators affirmed. They reiterated their commitment to advocating for the ongoing needs of their constituents, particularly those facing significant challenges in the evolving health care landscape.
As the situation develops, community leaders and residents are awaiting information that could provide a clearer understanding of the future of mental health services in Malheur County. The stakes are high, as the continuity of care and overall wellbeing of the community depend on the resilience of the Oregon Health Plan and the availability of mental health resources.
