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@OHAOregon
February 23, 2023
Media Contact: Amy Bacher, 503-405-5403, amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore. – Dana Hittle, who has served as interim state Medicaid director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA) the last two years and, prior to that, as deputy Medicaid director, has been appointed permanent Medicaid director. Hittle will report to interim OHA Director James Schroeder and oversee Oregon’s Medicaid program, which includes the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
Hittle’s appointment comes at a critical time as the state begins Medicaid eligibility renewals for all OHP members, which the federal government put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Oregon is preparing to implement a ground-breaking new Section 1115 Medicaid waiver, which provides first-in-the-nation Medicaid coverage for medically necessary, short-term housing benefits, nutrition support and support to help people manage the impact of climate change. Oregon is continuing discussions with the federal government on proposals to expand health coverage and benefits, especially for vulnerable populations.
OHP provides health care for individuals and families based on income eligibility and other factors. The program serves 1.48 million members -- about 1 in 3 Oregonians – and more than 4 in 10 residents in some rural and frontier counties. The Medicaid budget for the current biennium is $22.6 billion (about 74% of the Medicaid budget is paid for by the federal government). To find out more about Oregon Medicaid eligibility, visit https://one.oregon.gov/.
“At a time when we’re working hard to protect and expand health coverage in Oregon, it’s paramount that OHA has an experienced leader like Dana to successfully guide our state’s Medicaid initiatives,” Schroeder said. “I look forward to working with her on the transformative projects we have ahead of us.”
Hittle brings to the role more than 22 years of experience with Medicaid at OHA and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). She has worked with teams across OHA to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Oregon’s Medicaid program and its ability to deliver services to the state’s most vulnerable populations, including children in foster care and people who need behavioral health services.
“Especially with all of the challenges Oregonians have faced over the last few years, I’m really focused on how we can implement programs that extend health-related supports to those in need,” Hittle said. “I’m honored to work in this role and to serve the state.”