Yamhill Community Care Joins COHO

Partnership Builds Momentum for COHO’s Aggressive Legislative Agenda

MCMINNVILLE, Oregon – The Coalition for a Healthy Oregon (COHO) is pleased to announce that Yamhill Community Care has joined its statewide association of coordinated care organizations that now represent more than 184,000 members of the Oregon Health Plan.

The six members of COHO provide high-quality health care and wellness services to people who qualify for Medicaid due to low income or disability.

“Yamhill CCO shares COHO’s values, which include a commitment to local, patient-centered care and innovation to improve population health,” said Doug Flow, COHO President. “The resources and perspectives brought by the hardworking professionals of Yamhill CCO will better position COHO for success in its 2021 legislative agenda and beyond.”

While presenting myriad challenges to the health care system, the coronavirus pandemic showed the strengths of Oregon’s local coordinated care model. With boots on the ground and strong relationships in every community, CCOs throughout Oregon were well positioned to provide immediate assistance to Medicaid recipients, participating providers, and county public health departments. However, the crisis has led to a steep decline in state revenues, which could jeopardize the viability of the system, particularly in rural areas. CCOs have been a critical lifeline for them private health care providers Oregonians rely on.

“COHO is Oregon’s most effective organization for CCO policy development and health systems innovation,” said Dr. Seamus McCarthy, CEO of Yamhill CCO. “We look forward to engaging strongly in the legislative process as a member of COHO and will benefit from its expert communications and top-tier governmental advocacy.”

COHO members provide health services that center and prioritize the patient-provider relationship. They have been top performers statewide in quality health metrics and keeping people out of high-cost care, such as emergency departments. The effect has been to save taxpayer dollars while improving population health, in line with Oregon’s Triple Aim for better health, better care, and lower costs.

Long before the recent focus on health equity, COHO has been a leader in addressing health disparities in underrepresented communities. By investing in the Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity, COHO has worked to break down barriers to health through strategic investments and innovative policy development. This means addressing health factors like food, housing, education, and transportation to produce greater health outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our society.