OHSU-Legacy Health: Equity
OHSU and Legacy Health plan to join as one health care system called OHSU Health. We see this as a once-in-a-generation chance to expand access to quality care in every community. Together, we can better achieve our missions to serve the people of Oregon.
Uniting OHSU and Legacy Health will strengthen care where it's most needed. The new system will expand rural services and ensure access for more communities. Together, we'll build a healthier future for Oregon.
Our goals
We’re setting goals for our service to the people of Oregon. These goals arise from four commitments:
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Equity
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Medicaid:
Serving Medicaid patients will be a top priority. We will make sure Medicaid members who get care from Legacy can keep doing so. The new system will be the state’s largest provider for Oregon’s Medicaid members. It will represent more than 58% of inpatient Medicaid visits in the Portland area through Health Share of Oregon.
Medicaid covers most of the children seen at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Together, we’ll be able to improve access to specialty pediatric care.
Medicaid covers most of the children seen at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Together, we’ll be able to improve access to specialty pediatric care.
Behavioral health:
We will work to identify and address barriers to equity in behavioral health care.
Clinical trials:
Clinical trials are studies that test new treatments or ways to improve health. We want more patients who qualify to take part in these studies.
Culturally responsive services:
We want to improve the quality of interpretation services and other services for people of all cultures.
Investment:
We’ve set a goal of spending at least $10 million over five years on health equity initiatives. We plan to invest an estimated $350 million in Legacy Health Foundation. It will become a nonprofit that promotes access to quality care for all.
Union contracts:
We will honor language in union contracts about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We will explore a labor-management committee to support DEIB work and learning across the system.
Communities:
We will work with community groups to carry out health equity strategy. We’ll provide funds for community spending on:
Health services for those with low incomes or no insurance
Health services for those with low incomes or no insurance
- Free care
- Health education and research
- Screening and vaccine clinics
- Donations to community nonprofits
Data:
We’ll use data to analyze and address health inequities. We’ll track health equity metrics.
State review
Oregon law requires a review of the OHSU-Legacy proposal by the state’s Health Care Market Oversight program.
This review includes a public comment period. See how to comment and read public comments so far. OHSU also is accepting comments. Email us at [email protected].