Coordinated Care Organizations
Interested entities submit applications to become CCOs
The Request for Applications period closed April 30. OHA has received applications from 14 entities interested in becoming a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), showing broad support for a new and better model of care within the state. Learn more.
Coordinated Care Organizations
Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) are networks of all types of health care providers who have agreed to work together in their local communities for people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).
What will stay the same and what will be different with Coordinated Care Organizations
Under CCOs, the Oregon Health Plan's medical benefits will not change. But today the system separates physical, behavioral and other types of care. That makes things more difficult for patients and providers and more expensive for the state.
CCOs will have the flexibility to support new models of care that are patient-centered and team-focused, and reduce health disparities. CCOs will be able to better coordinate services and also focus on prevention, chronic illness management and person-centered care. They will have flexibility within their budget to provide services alongside today's OHP medical benefits with the goal of meeting the Triple Aim of better health, better care and lower costs for the population they serve.
How Coordinated Care Organizations will work
CCOs will be local. They will have one budget that grows at a fixed rate for mental, physical and ultimately dental care. CCOs will be accountable for health outcomes of the population they serve. They will be governed by a partnership among health care providers, community members, and stakeholders in the health systems that have financial responsibility and risk.
Status of Coordinated Care Organizations
Across the state, care providers, hospitals and health care plans are coming together to apply to become Coordinated Care Organizations. The first CCOs should be launched by August 1, 2012. There will be four open application periods for CCOs in 2012.
Information for Oregon Health Plan clients
OHP clients will be notified at least 30 days in advance of any change in health plans, but the Oregon Health Authority will be going above and beyond standard notices. Special outreach and communications will be created for Oregon Health Plan clients about CCOs, what to expect with the coming change and how to use CCOs for better health and care.
Background on how CCOs were created
CCOs were created in response to escalating health care costs, due in large part to an inefficient health care system. Over two legislative sessions, in 2011 and 2012, Governor Kitzhaber and bi-partisan lawmakers passed landmark legislation. More than 1,200 Oregonians provided input through eight community meetings that were held around the state, and another nearly 200 people met in work groups to help create the framework for CCOs.
Reducing costs while improving care
A third-party analysis found that by implementing CCOs, Oregon could save a significant portion of projected Medicaid costs in the short and long terms. Savings in state and federal dollars would be more than $1 billion within three years and more than $3.1 billion over the next five years.
