In a decisive move to mitigate severe funding cuts, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment on Thursday, allocating $2.4 million to fill a critical gap in behavioral health services. This action comes in response to CareOregon, the state’s largest Medicaid provider, discontinuing intensive care coordination funding, which had been essential for supporting residents with complex needs.
The funding shortfall was triggered by changes mandated by the Oregon Health Authority, which no longer required coordinated care organizations to provide intensive coordination services. This shift has resulted in significant funding cuts across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. While the budget adjustment aims to prevent the complete loss of more than 38 positions scheduled for elimination on January 1, 2026, staff reductions remain unavoidable, leading to ongoing service impairments.
Jessica Jacobsen, interim Behavioral Health Deputy Director, emphasized the impact of these funding cuts, stating, “That intensive outreach and support is going away.” She highlighted that members would now receive care coordination that lacks the in-person and long-term support critical for managing their complex needs. The transition underscores the stark reality facing vulnerable populations who rely on these essential services.
As the Behavioral Health Division scrambles to develop a sustainable plan for financing approximately 17 positions that have been preserved into Fiscal Year 2026-27, the urgency to find alternatives to the lost CareOregon resources has become apparent. County commissioners expressed mixed reactions to the budget amendment. Commissioner Shannon Singleton praised the Board’s proactive approach, while Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon raised concerns about public safety if services continue to decline. Commissioner Meghan Moyer characterized the situation as a significant misstep, pointing to systemic failures exacerbated by legislative inaction.
Despite the budgetary relief, many services are still set to be scaled back, particularly those involving youth, adult, and jail care coordination teams. The high-touch, in-person support these teams provide has been vital in effectively managing complex cases. However, the Board’s amendment has ensured the continuation of the Choice Model program, which supports adults facing severe and persistent mental illness, as well as maintaining state-mandated wraparound services for youth and families.
During this challenging period, interim Behavioral Health Director Anthony Jordan commended the dedication of the staff and assured that efforts are ongoing to reassign affected employees within the county. He emphasized the critical role these workers play in the community, reinforcing the importance of their expertise and commitment during this tumultuous time.
As Multnomah County navigates this funding crisis, the Board’s recent actions highlight both the immediate need for financial support and the broader challenges posed by shifting health care mandates. The situation remains a pressing concern as officials work to secure the future of behavioral health services in the region.
