SALEM -- The Obama administration has removed the final roadblock to implementing Gov. John Kitzhaber's plan to redesign the Oregon Health Plan.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday formally approved Oregon's application for a waiver from standard Medicaid rules.
The move allows the first coordinated care organizations to begin integrating mental, medical and dental care for low-income Oregonians on Aug. 1.
Monday's announcement is largely a formality after federal officials announced in May that they intended to approve the waiver.
The plan gives Oregon $1.9 billion over the next five years to provide for a smoother transition. In exchange, the state promises to save money in the long term by reducing unnecessary medical procedures.
