Northwest Human Services Expands Medicaid Care Amid Contract Disruptions in Oregon

Northwest Human Services in Salem, Oregon, will absorb 2,500 Medicaid patients displaced by contract termination at Salem Clinic, which lost coverage for primary care, urgent care, and endocrinology services with PacificSource, Oregon Health Plan's administrator. Northwest Human Services operates as a federally qualified health center with a stable federal payment model and is mandated to serve all patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay, serving primarily Medicaid patients. The influx has prompted operational adjustments, including hiring additional family medicine physicians and restructuring intake workflows to onboard 500 new patients monthly, prioritizing high-acuity individuals. Despite ongoing contract uncertainties with PacificSource affecting other regional providers like Salem Health, Northwest Human Services remains financially stable and committed to expanding access during potential Medicaid funding disruptions linked to state budget shortfalls and forthcoming federal policy changes. The organization also supports vulnerable populations through outreach programs providing free medical exams and integrates mental health and dental care into its comprehensive primary care services. Leadership emphasizes the importance of a continuous safety net to reduce emergency department reliance and address health disparities faced by low-income and marginalized populations. Broader Medicaid funding and policy challenges in Oregon are under review by state authorities, highlighting systemic pressures on health care providers serving publicly insured populations. Northwest Human Services continues engagement with PacificSource and community partners to seek sustainable solutions, advocating for stabilized Medicaid funding and access continuity amid evolving regulatory landscapes.