Oregon Health Care Costs Rose 3.6 Percent, Driven by Prescription Drugs, Among Other Factors

The Oregon Health Authority’s annual report on cost growth trends found health care costs grew 3.6 percent in Oregon between 2021-2022, reports KTVZ. Overall spending growth was slightly above the benchmark rate of 3.4 percent, however more than half of plans and provider organizations met the target. Cost growth was driven by increases in hospital outpatient services, behavioral health services, and changes in how providers were paid, with more providers receiving prospective payments, quality payments, and other value-based arrangements.