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MLAC votes not to support bill that would bar MCOs from excluding willing providers
Summary
After competing testimony from providers and payers, the Managed Labor Advisory Committee voted to not support HB 4119, a bill that would require managed-care organizations to contract with any willing provider and broaden attending-physician status.
The Managed Labor Advisory Committee voted to recommend against supporting House Bill 4119 after hearing extensive testimony from providers, payers and a state legislator.
Representative Leslie Munoz, who represents House District 22, urged the committee to support HB 4119 as a measure to "strengthen fairness and access within Oregon's managed care system for injured workers," arguing the bill prevents discrimination by managed care organizations and expands who may serve as an attending physician to include nurse practitioners, physician associates, chiropractors and naturopathic physicians. "When injured workers have greater access to competent and willing providers, they have a stronger chance of returning to work sooner and with better health outcomes," Munoz said.
Stakeholders testified on both sides. Dr. Sabo cited a large national study and argued that chiropractic management produced lower costs and faster return-to-work outcomes: "The Workers' Compensation Research Institute ... concluded [chiropractic care] resulted in a 61% lower cost overall when injured workers treated exclusively with a chiropractic physician." By contrast, representatives of SAFE and employer groups warned the change could raise claim costs and limit MCOs' ability to curate networks based on credentials and quality. SAFE's spokesperson (Evo) told the committee, "We oppose it on the limitations to the MCO" and cited internal data showing higher costs in their claims analysis.
Majoris (represented in public comment by Anne Klein) said some areas of the state currently lack in-network chiropractors and described their provider-relations efforts: "In 2025 ... we received 84 applications and extended 56 contracts specific to the chiropractic specialty," Klein said, noting network-building remains uneven across regions. Committee members pressed presenters on whether national averages apply to Oregon's system and on the extent to which proposed changes would affect premiums and employer costs.
After a caucus, a motion to not support HB 4119 carried. Committee co-chairs said they would draft letters reflecting the recommendation and continue stakeholder engagement on provider access issues.
The committee recorded the motion as carried and moved on to other agenda items.
