Fall Winter 2017

www.ohca.com Fall/Winter 2017 The Oregon Caregiver 21 PROFILE This past session brought us closer to needed tax reform. Our current revenue system will not provide for the investments in education and worker training that we need for our economy to thrive in the future and will not fund the essential services that help our seniors and kids. You played a leadership role last session in convening a workgroup of legislators and stakeholders to develop legislation, House Bill 3359 , to improve the quality of senior care. What do you expect will prove to be the most meaningful pieces of this legislation? Representatives Keny-Guyer and McKeown championed long term care reform this session, which led to the passage of HB 3359 . The final version of this bill incorporated ideas from legislators, agencies, and various stakeholders, including senior care providers. The most important piece will ultimately be the enhanced dementia training requirements for direct care staff who provide the supports for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias on a daily basis. Like many other sectors and states, Oregon’s health care sector is facing significant shortages of qualified workers. What role do you see the state playing in addressing the availability of skilled workers in health care? The shortage of skilled health care workers is a complex challenge, particularly in our rural communities. The state can help by creating more pathways for training, ensuring competitive compensation and supportive work environments, and piloting new ways to address needs in rural parts of the state. Federal Medicaid reform has been a front-page issue in 2017. What challenges do you see on the horizon for Medicaid long term care services and supports in Oregon? Our responsibility this session was to continue the implementation of the ACA, which included a funding package that will lower insurance premiums and preserve access for one million Oregonians who get their health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan. We also enhanced Medicaid funding for long term care services and supports. The most serious threat to Medicaid funding right now is Referendum 301. If Medicaid opponents gather the necessary signatures, the Healthcare Protections Bill would be placed on hold until voters weigh in during a special election in January. I am hopeful that Oregonians will reject this effort and preserve funding for Medicaid. 