Oregon health plans cover preventive care as officials may issue health orders

Non-grandfathered health plans must cover specified preventive services and recommended immunizations, without cost sharing except as federal law allows. This applies to health benefit plans that are not grandfathered. Preventive services are those in federal rules in effect on June 30, 2025. The Public Health Officer may recommend immunizations to promote a legitimate medical purpose and must consider evidence-based guidance from medical and scientific organizations. The Oregon Health Authority must publish each recommendation, including who it is meant to help and any special instructions for health professionals. Plans must cover a recommended immunization within 15 business days after the state publishes the recommendation.

The Public Health Officer, or a designated Oregon Health Authority physician, may issue standing orders for drugs or devices to address public health concerns. Orders may address infectious or noninfectious diseases and other significant public health concerns, statewide or in a specific area of Oregon. Orders must promote a legitimate medical purpose, follow accepted medical standards, identify who they are meant to help, and give instructions for patients and practitioners. Officials must seek input from local health officers before issuing an order, unless they find that delay from seeking input would likely endanger public health. An order cannot require anyone to receive, use, or administer a drug or device, or withhold one. Officials may withdraw an order at any time. The state and issuing officials are protected from liability for issuing it except for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Practitioners acting in good faith under an order are protected from civil or criminal liability. The law takes effect on passage. Officials may withdraw a standing order at any time.