Commencing on January 1, 2024, a series of legislative changes have come into effect in Oregon, impacting various aspects of healthcare. Noteworthy among these changes are the accessibility of specific drugs at hospitals, the initiation of a new tax to support Oregon’s mental health crisis hotline, and the enforcement of insurance coverage for a range of treatments.
One significant development is the enactment of House Bill 2002, a Democratic-backed measure aimed at securing reproductive rights and access to gender-affirming care. Effective January 1, insurance companies are now mandated to cover surgeries for facial feminization, Adam’s apple reduction, laser hair removal, and other gender-affirming treatments as prescribed by physicians or behavioral health providers. This legislation was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision on national abortion rights and an increasing movement seeking to limit gender-affirming care, particularly for minors.
In the realm of preventive healthcare, Oregon has codified a key provision of the federal Affordable Care Act into state law through House Bill 2282. This update ensures the continuation of the ACA’s preventative requirements, even in the face of legal challenges.
House Bill 2574 mandates Oregon hospitals to maintain a supply of drugs that prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of exposure. Commonly referred to as “PEP,” these drugs aim to reduce barriers hindering timely access. The bill also requires the Oregon Health Authority to assist in supplying hospitals with these drugs, while preventing insurers from imposing cost shares for access.
A new 40-cent monthly tax for cell phones, as per House Bill 2757, supports the funding of the 988 crisis hotline. Anticipated to generate $33 million in Oregon’s upcoming two-year budget and $54 million thereafter, the hotline is designed to address mental and behavioral health crises early, avoiding more costly interventions.
To combat rising opioid overdoses, Senate Bill 1043 mandates hospitals, detoxification facilities, and residential treatment facilities to provide two doses of overdose reversal medication, such as Narcan, to patients treated for opioid use disorder.
In response to the demand for nursing professionals, Senate Bill 523 enables Oregon community colleges to offer bachelor of science degrees in nursing. However, any new program must still receive approval from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Several coverage mandates have also been implemented, including House Bill 2994 expanding coverage for bilateral cochlear implants and hearing aids, Senate Bill 1041 prohibiting insurers from imposing cost shares on breast examinations, Senate Bill 797 requiring coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, and Senate Bill 628 mandating coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS and PANS).
