SB 609 Oregon Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to equitable access to health care services.

Summary
Establishes minimum amounts of reimbursement for primary care, optometry, dental care and behavioral health services provided to recipients of medical assistance.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025
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What changed between versions

Introduced A-Engrossed · 7 edits
MODERATE
SB 609 was amended to remove outdated definitions and replace specific dollar-based reimbursement rates with a requirement to match average insurer rates. This change shifts the bill from setting fixed payment amounts to requiring Oregon health authorities and care organizations to pay providers at least as much as commercial insurance plans pay in the state.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded from setting specific dollar amounts for reimbursement to establishing a relative value standard tied to commercial insurance rates, affecting how primary care, dental, optometry, and behavioral health services are paid.
DEFINITION

Removed definitions for 'conversion factor', 'primary care provider', 'primary care services', and 'resource-based relative value' that were tied to specific Medicare payment methodologies.

Renamed 'Optometrist' to 'Optometry provider' and updated the definition of optometry services to include 'medical eye and vision examination services'.

REQUIREMENT

Removed specific dollar amounts and conversion factors ($85 multiplied by relative value units) that were set to begin January 1, 2026.

Added requirement that Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations must reimburse providers at a rate no less than the average rate paid by insurers offering health benefit plans in the state.

Added provision allowing coordinated care organizations to use alternative payment methodologies as long as payments are no less than the average insurer rate.

Added requirement that the Oregon Health Authority cannot request additional General Fund appropriations to implement these reimbursement provisions.

Added requirement for the Oregon Health Authority to monitor and review reimbursement amounts over a four-year period and report on wait times, access, and provider choice.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Jun 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
In committee upon adjournment.
upper
Apr 15, 2025
Committee
Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President.
upper
Apr 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Ways and Means. (Printed A-Eng.)
upper
Jan 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health Care.
upper
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors