Health Net News Now

Praxis Health

Health Net joins forces with Praxis Health to enable the delivery of Advanced Primary Care to commercial members in Portland and Eugene.

Contact your Health Net commercial service team for access and more information.

Q2 2026 Small Group Rates

Health Net remains price stable and continues to offer competitive benefits in the small group market throughout Oregon creating value through rich benefits and local service to our members.

PNET goes live on Wired Enroll!

The Pacific Northwest Employers Trust Association, our non-Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code restricted association that serves as an HR partner to small business members will be live on Wired Enroll as of May 1. If your agency is appointed to sell this association you can now quote and enroll on Wired Quote.

Oregon PDAB to Host Community Forums on Prescription Drug Costs

Salem – The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will host a series of community forums in April and May to hear directly from Oregonians about the impact of high prescription drug costs.

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state's health care system:

• Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
• Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
• Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
• Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
• Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
• Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
• Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB's drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on the PDAB website.

Residents are invited to share their experiences at online forums:

• Tuesday, April 28, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  Go to zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB
• Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
  Go to zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB
• Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  Go to zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB

In‑person forums will be held:

• Tuesday, May 5, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
• Wednesday, May 6, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
• Tuesday, May 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
• Monday, May 18, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

"We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing," said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director, "If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form."

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

2026 Oregon Commercial Healthcare Statutory Updates

HB 4040 (2026) – Omnibus Health Care Bill

Statutory change

• Requires commercial health policies to cover medically necessary anesthesia services regardless of duration for any covered procedure.
• Limits prior authorization for certain low‑dollar repairs (e.g., complex rehabilitation technology ≤ $1,500).
• Modifies hospital presumptive charity‑care screening rules for insured patients (threshold raised to $1,500).

Reference: Changeflow, Jefferson Public Radio

SB 1598 (2026) – Preventive Services Coverage Expansion

Statutory change

• Requires state‑regulated commercial plans to cover specified preventive health services.
• Authorizes the Oregon Public Health Officer to recommend services that must be covered without cost‑sharing and through standing orders.

Reference: 2026 Oregon Legislative Summary Report (PDF)

SB 1568 (2026) – Perinatal & Lactation Services

Statutory change

• Expands required coverage for doulas, lactation counselors, and lactation educators under commercial health benefit plans (in addition to Medicaid).
• Establishes the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative.

Reference: 2026 Oregon Legislative Summary Report (PDF)

SB 822 (prior session; operative in 2026) – Network Adequacy & Access Standards

Statutory change

• Establishes quantifiable, enforceable network adequacy standards.
• Explicitly applies protections to state‑regulated large employer commercial plans, not just individual/small group.

Reference: Oregon Business Report: New Consumer Protection Laws Go Into Effect

HB 2564 (prior session; operative in 2026) – Rate Review Transparency

Statutory change

• Enhances health insurance rate review by requiring consumer‑friendly summary documents in filings.
• Applies to individual and small group commercial plans.

Reference: Oregon Business Report: New Consumer Protection Laws Go Into Effect

HB 4107 (2026) – Urgent Care Regulation

Statutory change

• Prohibits inappropriate use of "urgent care" or "emergency" terminology.
• Requires disclosure standards and service criteria for urgent care facilities.

Reference: 2026 Oregon Legislative Summary Report (PDF)

SB 699 (prior session; operative in 2026) – Prosthetic & Orthotic Coverage

Statutory change

• Expands required coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, including those needed for full‑body physical activity (e.g., running, biking, swimming).

Reference: Oregon Business Report: New Consumer Protection Laws Go Into Effect

SB 1137 (prior session; operative in 2026) – Breast Reconstruction Coverage

Statutory change

• Requires coverage of autologous breast reconstruction procedures.
• Requires out‑of‑network coverage when in‑network access is inadequate.

Reference: Oregon Business Report: New Consumer Protection Laws Go Into Effect

May is National Women's Health Month

Observed each May, National Women's Health Month—led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health—encourages women to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps toward healthier lives.

Why it matters

According to National Today:

• About 13% of women age 18+ report being in poor health
• Nearly 38% of U.S. women are affected by obesity
• Two out of three Alzheimer's patients are women
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
• Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression

With the demands of work and family, many women delay preventive care and healthy habits. Over time, this can increase the risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—especially for those 65+ or with existing health concerns.

To support members on their health journey, Health Net offers multiple Health Support Programs to help members maintain healthier lifestyles. Virtual programs are also available through Sharecare and Teladoc Health, making it easier to access support anytime, anywhere.

Women can take simple, preventive steps this month:

• Schedule check-ups: Annual exams and screenings help detect issues early
• Stay up to date on vaccines: Preventive care is key to long-term health
• Adopt healthy habits: Regular activity, balanced nutrition, and reduced alcohol and tobacco use

National Women's Health Month is an opportunity to remind members that small, consistent actions can lead to better health outcomes. Preventive care and early intervention make a meaningful difference.

Just For Fun

Mother’s Day Greetings by Anonymous

From superpower‑level multitasking to fridge‑expiration expertise, moms truly deserve a day—and a laugh. Celebrate Mother's Day with these funny, feel‑good greetings that prove moms are equal parts love, wisdom, and coffee.

1. "Mom, I love you, even though I'll never accept your friend request."
2. "If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way your mom told you to do it from the start."
3. "Mom: I love you and your super long voicemails."
4. "Dear Mom, Thank you for keeping all the bad stuff I did from Dad."
5. "Life doesn't come with a manual. It comes with a mother."
6. "Nothing is really lost until your mom can't find it."
7. "Thank you for not telling my siblings that I'm your favorite."
8. "Happy Mother's Day, Mom! (And while I have you, quick apologies for ages 13-21.)"
9. "A mother is the person you can always call to see how long chicken lasts in the fridge."
10. "Motherhood: Powered by love, fueled by coffee, sustained by deep sighs."

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms, Step-Moms and Chosen Moms!