Medicaid Cuts and Red Tape Could Overwhelm Oregon’s Health System, Nurses Say

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has raised concerns that the passage of H.R.1, the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ will significantly reduce funding for public health programs, including Oregon’s Medicaid system.

ONA Concerns Over Health Service Challenges After Bill Reduces Funding

Following Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s criticism of Trump’s massive tax bill, which threatens food and health benefits, last week, the ONA warned on Friday that H.R. 1 could lead to major disruptions in healthcare access for low-income Oregonians.

The union estimates up to 280,000 residents could be at risk of losing Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage.

Using new work mandates, documentation rules, and reduced retroactive coverage, H.R. 1 significantly tightens eligibility and self-sufficiency standards, especially for Medicaid and SNAP members.

Supporters frame these changes as efficiency measures aimed at reducing federal spending and encouraging workforce participation. At the same time, critics say the measures create barriers that could push low-income Americans off vital safety-net programs.

The ONA is particularly concerned about the potential for increased strain on frontline healthcare workers, citing fears of higher patient volumes and workforce burnout. They also criticized the bill’s inclusion of new eligibility requirements and administrative measures, arguing that these could create barriers to coverage.

The ONA contends that the measures would achieve the goals much vaunted by the bill’s supporters at the expense of essential safety net services, and plans to work with labor partners, advocacy organizations, and state officials to push back against the legislation and protect Oregonians’ access to care.