October 13, 2026 | The Medicaid Shift: Keeping Oregonians covered

The federal decision to gut Medicaid has become real for hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. The state has begun mailing notices to Oregon Health Plan members about coverage changes, work requirements, more frequent re-certification and other actions that will ultimately reduce the number of people with health coverage.

The second in a series presented in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority and Comagine Health, this forum brought together community members, providers and advocates to share strategies and help Oregonians navigate the changes ahead.

Fariborz Pakseresht – Interim Director, Oregon Health Authority

Fariborz Pakseresht serves as Interim Director of OHA, returning to public service at the request of Governor Tina Kotek. He retired from state service in 2025 as the longest-serving Director in ODHS’s 35-year history. He’s recognized for advancing evidence-informed decision-making and cross-sector collaboration while fostering organizations grounded in trust and continuous improvement.

Amanda Bunger –  Executive Director, Tillamook Family Counseling Center (the Community Mental Health Program for Tillamook County)

Amanda Bunger is dedicated to strengthening access to behavioral health services and supporting the sustainability of community based systems in rural and frontier Oregon. With more than two decades in coordinated care organizations and local community behavioral health programs, she sees first hand why maintaining Medicaid eligibility is so essential for children, adults and families.

Mercedes Elizalde – Director of Advocacy, Latino Network

Mercedes Elizalde has worked as a direct service provider, public policy analyst and community organizer across local government and nonprofit organizations. She serves on boards focused on affordable housing, nonprofit development and substance use recovery. At Latino Network, she helps lead Salud es Poder, a statewide coalition advancing and protecting Healthier Oregon. 

Vivian Levy – Interim Medicaid Director, Oregon Health Authority 

Vivian Levy, interim Medicaid Director for OHA, brings 18 years of experience in Oregon’s Medicaid program. Her roles have included training application assisters, directing Oregon’s integrated eligibility system, and managing MMIS business support. She is widely recognized for her leadership in shaping and advancing eligibility policy. 

Moderator

Carly Hood-Ronick – Vice President, CareOregon Metro and Board Chair, Comagine Health

Ronick brings to CareOregon and Comagine Health more than 14 of years of leadership experience with safety net providers and publicly funded healthcare, including as former CEO at Project Access NOW and as a Director at the Oregon Primary Care Association prior. She is a past Co-Chair of the Oregon Health Policy Board’s Health Equity Committee. 

To discuss forum sponsorship opportunities, please contact Erin Hoover Barnett at erin@oregonhealthforum.org