About
Our Mission: Building a Smarter Healthcare System
Healthcare should be designed around the root causes of health, not just symptoms.
Who We Are
Over three decades of hands-on healthcare experience
FamilyCare Health is an independent, non-profit organization committed to transforming Oregon’s healthcare system through evidence-based reform, community collaboration, and holistic approaches that address the true foundations of health. With over 35 years of experience as a provider-owned health plan and coordinated care organization (CCO), FamilyCare Health has evolved into a research, education, and advocacy leader dedicated to systemic change.
Unlike traditional healthcare organizations, we are free from shareholder obligations, political donors, and profit-driven motives. Our only priority is to advocate for policies and practices that improve health outcomes, lower costs, and promote equity.
Our Guiding Principles
Address the Foundations of Health
Health outcomes are shaped far more by social, economic, and community factors than by medical treatment alone. Effective reform must address these foundations—from stable housing and food security to education and safe environments. Treating symptoms without addressing these root causes results in worse outcomes and higher costs.
Learn About Determinants of Health >
Build Consensus Around Shared Community Values
Improving community health requires collaboration between community members, providers, and policymakers. By identifying shared values and priorities across these groups, we can build broad-based support for innovative, equitable reforms that reflect the needs and values of the people they serve.
Support Evidence-Based Policy
Our approach to advocacy is rooted in facts. We champion policies with clear evidence of improving health outcomes and reducing costs. Effective reform relies on accurate data, objective research, and proven approaches—allowing us to focus limited resources where they can have the greatest impact.
Improve Understanding of the Healthcare System
We believe that reform begins with understanding. By helping stakeholders—from legislators to community leaders—better understand how the healthcare system works, we build the foundation for smarter policy design, better resource allocation, and more effective collaboration.
Understanding the System
Improving the healthcare system starts with understanding the healthcare system.
45-50%
Hospitals account for half of all healthcare spending
36,000
Oregon is short 36,000 behavioral workers
25-50%
Medicaid reimbursement rates fall far below market rates
Our History
From Health Plan to Independent Advocate
Founded in 1984, FamilyCare Health began as a provider-owned health plan, growing into one of Oregon’s largest and most innovative coordinated care organizations. Over more than three decades, we managed care for over 120,000 Medicaid and Medicare members, pioneering community-based, integrated care models.
In 2018, we transitioned away from direct care delivery, becoming an independent non-profit dedicated solely to improving healthcare policy and systems.
