Policy Research
Our policy research blends rigorous methods with policy and economic expertise to deliver clear and actionable evidence for health care decision-makers. Key projects are highlighted below.
Evaluation of Oregon’s Value-based Payment for Coordinated Care Organizations
In 2019, the State of Oregon developed a Value-based Payment (VBP) Roadmap for Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) as a foundational element of the CCO 2.0 contract cycle (2020-2024).
In 2020, the Roadmap introduced requirements to be implemented over the course of the new contract cycle. These requirements include the development of new VBP models in specific care areas and targets for the adoption of VBP arrangements with provider organizations over time. CCOs’ readiness to achieve these requirements was a consideration in the CCO 2.0 award cycle.
Select publications:
Baseline Report: Oregon’s Value-based Payment Roadmap for Coordinated Care Organizations
Evaluation of Oregon's 1115 Medicaid Waiver for the Oregon Health Authority
In 2017, Oregon renewed its Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), continuing its work to leverage its coordinated care organization model to produce better health outcomes at sustainable costs. CHSE continues in its role as the independent external evaluator for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for the new 2017-2022 waiver after providing the summative assessment for the 2012 waiver.
Select publications:
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Workforce Evaluation
Oregonians report one of the highest rates of unmet need for mental health treatment in the nation. House Bill 2086 was passed in 2021 to address behavioral health workforce shortages and access to care, particularly among people of color, tribal communities and other historically marginalized groups.
This report was prepared in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority and is intended to provide recommendations for achieving a living wage for behavioral health workers and providing more equitable wages between physical health care workers and behavioral health care workers.
Health Workforce Report to the Oregon Health Authority and State Legislature
Health Integration
States are asking a variety of questions about the best ways to integrate behavioral and physical health care in Medicaid, including how to finance these services. This brief offers a taxonomy for the financing of integrated mental health in Medicaid programs.
Financial Integration of Behavioral Health in Medicaid: A New Taxonomy
Washington's Medicaid Transformation Program Section 1115 Waiver Evaluation
CHSE serves as the independent external evaluator for the Washington Health Care Authority's Medicaid waiver, known as the Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP). In partnership with qualitative investigators at the OHSU Department of Family Medicine, CHSE is assessing progress on MTP's five initiatives.
Read the December 2020 midpoint report
Social Determinants of Health
Challenges with food insecurity, housing, non-medical transportation and other social needs impact members' health and well-being. State Medicaid programs are increasingly seeking ways to advance health equity and address these social determinants of health.
- Read the Issue Brief: Columbia Gorge CCO: Making connections to social support for a healthier community
- Read the Issue Brief: Oregon leverages Medicaid to address social determinants of health and health equity
- Read the Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health Activities in Medicaid White Paper