Rep. Salinas Visits Adventist Health Columbia Gorge to Highlight Impact of Cuts to Health Care on Rural Communities

The Dalles, OR - Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) visited Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Hospital in The Dalles to highlight how the devastating cuts to Medicaid in H.R. 1 will hurt Oregonians. Rep. Salinas toured Adventist Health Columbia Gorge and held a roundtable conversation with local health care leaders and staff. During the event, participants discussed how reductions in federal health care funding will affect access to preventive and routine services in rural Oregon, forcing some clinics and rural hospitals to close. Rep. Salinas also shared her efforts to fight cuts to Medicaid and lower health care costs for Oregonians.

"The cuts to health care in H.R. 1 are making Oregonians sicker, hungrier, and poorer. These cuts will raise health care costs, force people to lose their coverage, and could shutter nursing homes, health centers, and rural hospitals like Adventist Health Columbia Gorge. Families will face higher costs and could have nowhere to turn," said Rep. Salinas. "Americans are already struggling with rising costs, and Oregonians deserve better. Last week, I took a stand for Oregonians and voted against a partisan spending package because it did not stop these devastating cuts. I'll keep spreading the word about how cuts to health care hurt all of us, and I won't stop fighting until every American has the health care they deserve."

"We appreciate Representative Salinas taking time to visit Adventist Health Columbia Gorge and experience the unique healthcare needs of our region," said Jayme Thompson, Adventist Health Columbia Gorge administrator. "Providing lifesaving care in rural areas is vital. We will continue to carefully evaluate how to maintain sustainable healthcare services in light of proposed legislative changes impacting hospitals."

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 1 will cause roughly 17 million Americans to lose health coverage and become uninsured by 2034. In Oregon alone, Medicaid enrollment is projected to drop by 220,000 people. Oregon's Second Congressional District, where Adventist Health Columbia Gorge is located, has the highest Medicaid enrollment in the state, with approximately 40-42 percent of residents relying on the program - underscoring just how much is at stake for rural communities.

Analysts warn that the impact of this legislation will be devastating for Oregon. When people lose their health coverage, they lose access to preventive care, treatment for chronic conditions, and lifesaving treatment. Families could find themselves forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for their prescription.

The legislation also endangers Oregon's rural health infrastructure. Nearly 40 rural hospitals across the state could be affected, and at least four are at high risk of closure because of H.R. 1. Cuts to Medicaid will cause layoffs at clinics, longer wait times for appointments, and the closure of entire facilities. As care shifts from community clinics to already-strained emergency rooms, both costs and health risks will rise.

During her visit, Rep. Salinas recommitted to defending the Oregon Health Plan and ensuring that every family - no matter their ZIP code - can see a doctor, afford prescriptions, and receive quality care. Rep. Salinas emphasized that she will continue to fight in Congress to protect Oregon's most vulnerable residents and support the providers who care for them.

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