Oregon has certified eight groups to be the state's first coordinated care organizations.
The Oregon Health Authority announced the certifications on Wednesday. They'll provide health coverage to low-income patients on the Oregon Health Plan beginning Aug. 1.
The coordinated care organizations are part of Gov. John Kitzhaber's initiative to improve the health care system and lower costs by reducing waste and preventing avoidable hospitalizations.
Patients living in all or part of 18 Oregon counties would be covered by the new organizations. Other groups are expected to be approved later in the year.
Kitzhaber says he'll press ahead with his health initiative no matter what the Supreme Court decides about the federal overhaul. The Supreme Court ruling on health reform is expected Thursday.
Online:Certified Coordinated Care Organizations.
